”So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
Luke 17:10

What’s the difference between a toddler using the potty by themselves and an adult? We expect the adult to it, and to do it without any praise or encouragement.¹ Can you imagine all the adults in the room clapping for the other adult who used the restroom followed by the infamous potty dance? Using the bathroom is an adult’s personal duty and warrants no balloons, cards, or celebration.

As servants of Jesus we are to embrace this same attitude. We are not to be toddlers who do something and then think that they have a claim on God, that God must now praise us and bless us. Jesus teaches his servants that after they have done what they were commanded, they must realize that they are unworthy servants who have only done their duty (Luke 17:10). We are not now in some special favor with God where He is in our debts.² Unworthy we remain even to be His servants and can only be so because of His grace in Jesus towards us. We have not done extra; we’ve only done our required duty.

This attitude is extremely practical for our home lives as well. The days when I’m trying to do my job, watch four kids, and take care of my wife when she and I don’t feel good is a lot of (good) work. And sometimes I want to be noticed, sympathized with, acknowledged, or praised. But what I need to remember first is that I don’t deserve anything; I’m an unworthy servant who is only doing his blessed duty. My work, kids, wife, and home are incredible blessings of God and at the end of the day it is my duty to serve them and to not seek to hold that over God’s head or seek the praise of others.

And you know what I’ve found? I’m freer in this mindset. I don’t feel belittled or less valuable. Joy is more present and I engage the dutiful work better. It’s similar to getting older and not caring what other people think about you. In our youth we are usually much more concerned with how we look and how others think we look. Then one day you don’t care and boy does it feel freeing.

God’s attitudes and mindsets are the absolute best. Lord bless us to think like Christ and to become like Christ as we seek to serve Christ for your glory. Amen.