Reading....

I was reading Luke 17 today and a couple things jumped out at me, which I'd like to share. :-)

In verses 7-10 in The Message, Jesus is saying, "Suppose one of you has a servant who comes in from plowing the field or tending the sheep. Would you take his coat, set the table, and say, 'Sit down and eat'? Wouldn't you be more likely to say, 'Prepare diner; change your clothes and wait table for me until I've finished my coffee; then go to the kitchen and have your supper'? Does the servant get special thanks for doing what's expected of him? It's the same with you. When you've done everything expected of you, be matter-of-fact and say, 'The work is done. What we were told to do, we did.'"

Did you catch that line? "Does the servant get special thanks for doing what's expected of him?"

In today's society, everybody wants to be recognized for everything. But there are some things that are just expected of us. We don't deserve praise or a pat on the back, although it's appreciated. We should serve God faithfully out of gratitude and not expect all of Heaven to stop whenever we want to be noticed.

Just as a baby has to learn to walk on his own without being praised for every three steps he takes, so it should be with us.