obedient delight

 “In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’” Luke 17:10

Servant: a person who performs duties for others, a devoted and helpful follower or supporter

Obey: carry out a command or instruction, behave in accordance with a principle or law

Duty: a moral or legal obligation, a responsibility, a task or action that someone is required to perform

My Abba,

I obviously don’t love the servant language. I’m certain that is why I spent a lot of time today looking at many other translations of this verse hoping for something softer and more palatable to my Western mind. I like thinking of myself as your beloved child or friend, but I realize am not as keen on my role as a servant. Please forgive me for the ways my heart has wandered off into errant alleyways this morning.

I have said that it is a privilege to be a servant of the Most High God. But when I read this passage, it brings up weird feelings. I feel like a servant’s duties are done under compulsion. I want to serve you out of love. A servant does not seem cherished like a child. What am I missing here?

I know you want my obedience even when I don’t want to obey. It’s not something spectacular when I do what you want me to. I really don’t expect the angels to burst into song and throw a celestial dance party when I act according to my calling as your servant.

So what’s up with me? I guess I just want to sense your love for me as I serve. I don’t want to feel like I am grinding out forced labor. I feel like a servant does not have much choice. Maybe that is why Paul writes about being a bondservant, because a bondservant serves for life by choice. Please help me wrestle well with this.

I am realizing there is a distinct satisfaction when I walk in obedience. Please nourish my heart to love to obey your voice. Transform me. I want to serve you in a way that pleases your heart.

I love you,

Mollie

My child,

Your role as my servant does not change my love for you. I don’t force your obedience like some cruel human taskmaster. But I am God. It is right for you to obey me. My commands and instruction bring life, even when they seem upside down to you.

Think about the definitions above. Our love relationship is not damaged by your role as a servant in my kingdom. Being a servant, child, or friend are all aspects of the way we connect. Performing duties as a devoted follower does not demean you.

Duty is not a bad word. Remember, even Christ came to serve, not to be served. A servant’s role was not beneath him, the King of Kings.  So, it is never beneath you.

By the power of my Spirit, it is possible to be a joy-filled servant. I enjoy doing what is right. Lean into my presence and you will enjoy it, also.  I can empower you to revel in obedient delight today.

I love you,

Abba

photo: bilanol

NLT