What Kind of Servant?

By Lynn Mosher–

Let’s suppose for a moment. Suppose you have several servants or employees, and one in particular is a maid, gardener, or whatever. Or let’s say he or she is a personal assistant.

Let’s use he for simplicity’s sake.

Suppose he avoids completing some of the big tasks you’ve given him, neglects doing some of the little things. He mumbles under his breath, muttering snide remarks, and making faces behind your back.

He treats your other servants improperly, even severely. He also dips his fingers into the till, stealing from you. He is self-serving in every way.

Would you say he is serving you well? What kind of servant is he?

“Imagine the stories of two household managers, and decide for yourself which one is faithful and smart. Each household manager is told by his master to take good care of all his possessions and to oversee the other employees—the butlers, cooks, gardeners, and so on. One servant immediately busies himself in doing just what he was told. His master eventually comes to check on him and rewards him with a major promotion and with more responsibility and trust.

“The other household manager thinks, ‘Look, my boss is going to be gone for a long time. I can be complacent; there’s no urgency here.’ So he beats the other employees—the women as well as the men. He sits around like a slob, eating and getting drunk. Then the boss comes home unexpectedly and catches him by surprise. One household manager will be fortunate indeed, and the other will be cut into pieces and thrown out.

“Now if a servant who is given clear instructions by his master doesn’t follow those instructions but instead is complacent and apathetic, then he will be punished severely. But if a servant doesn’t know what his master expects and behaves badly, then he will receive a lighter punishment. If you are given much, much will be required of you. If much is entrusted to you, much will be expected of you.” (Luke 12:42-48 Voice)

We are God’s servants; we are to serve Him simply, readily, and cheerfully.

“Who then is that faithful and wise steward?” (Luke 12:42 NKJV)

What kind of servant?

* faithful: trustworthy, reliable
* steward or servant: house-distributor or manager, overseer, a fiscal agent or treasurer, a preacher (of the Gospel)
* wise: intelligent, prudent, sensible, practically wise, thoughtful, sagacious, discreet

Serving the Lord singly. “Deeply respect GOD, your God. Serve and worship Him exclusively…Don’t fool around with other gods, the gods of your neighbors, because GOD, your God, who is alive among you is a jealous God.” (Deut. 6:13-15a Msg)

As Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Luke 16:13 NLT) Or anything else.

Oh…that…kind…of…servant!

Is that me? Is that you?

I know you long to hear, as I do, the Lord Jesus speak these words…

“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matt. 25:21 NLT)

Is it your aim to be that kind of servant and celebrate with Him? Me, too!