I DESERVE it....

I came across an interesting AND convicting passage in the Gospels the other morning. Luke 17:7-10 says,

"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to doSo you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "

So often we "pat ourselves on the back" for doing something for the Lord.....

"God, I shared my faith with my friend this afternoon..aren't you proud of me!! You can bless me now!"

"Lord, did you see that extra $20 I gave in the offering this week?? I'm sure you'll reward me later!"

"I got up 15 minutes early this morning to read the Bible, God! You must be SO grateful to have me as one of your servants."

I hope you don't find my illustrations too sarcastic! That's not my intent. I was really struck by the fact that in this passage, the servant felt he deserved to eat at his master's table after working all day in the field. I find myself acting as if I deserve God's favor in my life!!

When in fact what I really deserve is eternal separation from God for my sin and disobedience! 

I'm SO thankful that our Heavenly Father does bless us in innumerable ways! He treats us like His very own Sons if we have accepted the gift of redemption. 

I just need to be reminded that what I do in daily service and giving for my Lord and Master is part of my duty, and should be done out of gratefulness to Him. As Romans 12:1 says, 

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."