Servant Hearts

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In regards to acts of service, Jesus frequently points out that the attitude of the servant is perhaps as critical as the service itself. In the Kingdom of God, the heart is what counts. Our actions are always important, and this is not to belittle that one bit, but the God who sees the intricacies of our motives knows that right actions will naturally flow from right attitudes.

Luke 17:10
“You also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” - NIV

Jesus’ teaching in Luke 17 is a little unsettling to our egos. We all want to hear a “Well done!” in response to our good work for the King. And elsewhere Jesus indicates that we may indeed get one of those. But that is not the attitude with which we should come to Him. We should serve Him because that is what servants do. Period.

Do not get the message wrong here; God is intensely interested in our works. Our
performance does matter to Him, but only as a response to faith and never as an act of merit. Our attitude of service indicates the degree to which the gospel has penetrated our hearts.

I have heard it said that Christianity is like one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. How much greater is he who brings the bread with him?