If you ask someone to do a chore, would you rather they begrudgingly oblige, or do it with a smile and even do more than what was requested? We’re all familiar with those who do only what they’re supposed to do at work. What impression might that person leave on you? What is God thinking about your innermost feelings?
We often find it hard to discern what God wants us to do. We may even try to force God’s hand by wanting a sign of some sort. Yet we know from the Bible He offers to guide us in life. Jesus gave a parable about Him being the good shepherd and His sheep know and follow His voice. However, we feel immobilized because He doesn’t guide us the way we expect. When this happens, we become confused and frustrated with Him. Could this happen in our daily life because there is a misunderstanding between us and our shepherd? Do we become confused as to how He leads us??
Jesus told an odd parable in John 17:7-10 that may reconnect us with Him so we can follow His leading. Keep in mind, Jesus tells this parable in a culture where slavery was common.
7 “When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? 8 No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ 9 And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. 10 In the same way, when you obey me, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty’” (Luke 17:7-10, NLT2).
What in the world!? … not even a thank you? And what is with these “unworthy servants”? Could it be there is more to obedience that we are missing?
If the person who obediently does their assigned task is still called unworthy, then what would make up a worthy servant? I can only think it would be a servant who went beyond sheer obedience, which would be an expression that shows loving initiative and does more than expected. That would be a person who put their heart into their work and not just did their duty.
In sports, there are those who faithfully attend practice, obediently go through their exercise, and attend all the games. However, they still end up sitting on the bench. Why? Being a starter is more than just being obedient. The coach is looking for the person who knows what to do and when to do it, but ALSO puts their heart and passion into the playing the game. This mysterious ingredient also applies to the job, in a marriage, in a classroom, ministry, or business.
Isaiah chapter 1 describes how people were generous in offering sacrifices, worshiping with lifted holy hands, faithfully attending, and honoring holy days. Yet, God said all their obedience made Him tired and sick! Why? Because their obedience lacked heart or passion. The same was true of the church at Ephesus. (Rev. 2:2-5) God sees when a person’s passion is for their ministry, position, perks, or for knowing and loving Him and His heart for His kingdom. When you sense the heart of God regarding a ministry and share ownership of His heart, hearing His voice in the daily routines of life will be as natural as a baby duckling following its mother. What might you need to do to take more initiative in linking arms with Christ and His mission?