attitude

My husband David comes from German heritage. His parents had a work ethic that not only encouraged efficiency and thoroughness, but the right attitude. He has often told me that his parents would say, “If you’ve only done what you were supposed to have done, do not look for praise.” This mirrors one of Jesus’ parables recorded by Luke (17:7-10). Jesus asks his disciples rhetorical questions about what they think the master would say to the servant who has finished his work; “Would he say . . .?” and “Would he thank . . . ?” The master would not be praising the servant, nor would he turn around and serve the servant, but would expect the servant to continue in his service. This parable ends with the admonition that, “when you have done everything you were told to do (you) should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”


The saying by Dave’s parents most likely came from this parable, which is about the attitude of one’s heart. When Jesus asked the disciples what they would “say,” He was referring to their thoughts. In the end, He told them what the correct thoughts of a servant would be, or what they should “say” in their hearts (vs 10).

God builds on our correct attitudes. Just as parents reward their children, God rewards His. Doing all we are told to do is called “obedience”, and being predictable in obedience is called “faithfulness.” When we are faithful in our obedience we learn wisdom. In the parable about the faithful and wise servant (Lk 12:42-48) we see that the servant who does right is promoted to greater service. His life displayed God’s creative wisdom and the Master knew that the servant was ready to serve in a greater capacity.

Faithful obedience works goodness in our hearts when we have the right attitude towards God. In the parable of the Talents (Mt 25:14-30) one servant thought wickedly about the master and was punished. The other 2 servants were called “good and faithful. Their hearts had an understanding of God’s intentions and therefore their service reflected the master’s heart; goodness. Though servants, they were rewarded with cities to rule over. Their promotion shows that the Lord could entrust them to be part of the government of God.

God asks all His children to serve Him. Having the right attitude will take us into an expansion of that service to help us persevere towards completion. According to the Lord’s discretion, we will then move into spiritual areas to rule over. The Lord does not want us to develop a sense of entitlement. However, let us not lose sight of the fact that we have much to look forward to when we begin our service with the right attitude, and grow in both wisdom, and in an understanding of His nature.