THE GOSPEL OF LUKE: - Vital Christianity

146What Jesus tells us is that we are to do everything possible to be as profitable as thisservant (vv. 7-8) without expecting any recognition for it (v. 9). Then we can present the sincere,humble attitude: "We are unworthy servants. We have done what was our duty to do."Paul asked the Corinthians,"What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Co 4:7)We cannot claim to have done anything without God's oversight (Da 4:28-35). Paulmakes it clear that we owe God everything because He has redeemed us by the blood of His ownSon (1 Co 6:9-10).What good thing have we ever done that we deserve recognition?SERVANTHOOD (17:7-9)What is the relationship between masters and servants? What is the role of servants?Luke explains,"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Wouldhe say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now andsit down to eat'? Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourselfready 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 do?” (Lk 17:7-9).Masters do not waits on servants—servants are bound to wait on their master and doevery thing for him to the best of his ability. Neither does the servant expect thanks because he isbound by his agreement to provide such services.St. Augustine summarizes the lesson contained in the parable this way:“This parable shows us that we are useless servants when it comes to God. Thissovereign Master has a right to exact of us every kind of service, and to makeus apply ourselves to any task he may think proper, without our having anyreason to complain either of the difficulty, trouble, or length of our labors;we are entirely his, and he is master of our persons, time, and talents. Wehold of him whatever we possess, and woe to us if we abuse his trust, byapplying our talents to any use contrary to his designs. But though he be Lord