What He has Done, and What We Should Do

I love Luke 17 as it looks at us compared to God, starting with what our expected response we should expect from Him, to what our expected response should be to Him.  

Today it seems like we need a pat on the back for every “good” thing we do.  In fact, it really seems like we want a pat on the back for everything we do regardless of whether it is good or bad.  With a generation that has grown up with participation awards for just showing up, it seems like everyone needs (and expects) praise for just being present. 

We see this in the church as well.  There are people in the church who seem to need praise for anything done or they will not be continuing  to help out. Today’s scripture shares that we are God’s servants, and as such, we should be looking to do what He has called us to do, not because we will get praised for it — but because it is our duty. 

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

And even as we look at our need to receive praise, how often do we forget to give God praise when He provides and takes care of us? 

Jesus goes on to share about the ten men healed of leprosy where only one returns to praise God (and that a Samaritan).

Lord, we so love to receive praise, yet we often forget to give praise.  Help us, O Lord, to be a people who looks to please You for who You are and all You have done, not for what we expect You to do for us.  And help us to be people of praise, who are continually praising You and encouraging and lifting up our brothers and sisters in Christ and all we come in contact with, that Your Kingdom will grow and You will be glorified!