Luke 17:10
“So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”
Attitude is the key factor which determines your quality of enjoying life. Many people have reached what some would deem a success, but their attitude kept them from truly enjoying their accomplishments. Other people who have never acquired position, but have done their job well and influenced others, seem to enjoy life to its fullest because they have a great attitude. The difference between the two is their attitude towards life and how they perceive themselves.
God wants His children to have a servant’s attitude. The Christian life will never be fully enjoyed until you decide to be a servant to all. In the verse above, God shows the attitude He wants His children to have. He taught the parable of the unprofitable servants, and in this parable are four attitudes these servants had that made them successful and allowed them to enjoy what they were doing. Let me share with you these four attitudes that you must have if you want to enjoy what you do for the LORD.
First, the servant’s attitude is one that never complains. You never one time see these servants complaining about what their master asked them to do; they just did it. You will never enjoy life if you complain about everything. The only reason you complain is because you think you can do it better. Complaining is an indicator that you don’t respect those in leadership. You will never complain if you see yourself as a servant. The Christian who complains is saying that they can run their life better than God. Don’t let this be your mentality.
Second, the servant’s attitude is one that serves others. These servants completely disregarded their own agenda to serve others. The greatest joy in life is achieved by first serving the LORD, and second by serving others. Your daily perspective to enjoy each day should be to discover what needs you can meet in another’s life. God will take care of your needs if you will make life about serving others.
Third, the servant’s attitude is one that desires no recognition. The servants in these verses never asked for their master to give them recognition; they only did their job because they understood that was their “duty to do.” The Christian life will truly be a miserable life if your whole purpose of doing what you do is to be applauded and recognized by man. The servant doesn’t need recognition because he is a servant, and the Christian shouldn’t need recognition because he is a servant. Take the need for recognition our of the equation for service and you will discover true enjoyment in meeting the needs of others.
Fourth, the servant’s attitude is one that feels unworthy. These servants said, “We are unprofitable servants.” They were honored just to be a servant of their master. Are you honored just to be a servant of the LORD? This is the key factor to enjoying the Christian life. If you feel you deserve recognition and position, you will be disappointed and disgruntled when others get what you desired. You should feel as a Christian that you are blessed just to be a servant of the LORD; anything above serving the LORD is a bonus.
Christian, do you have the servant’s attitude? Your happiness in the Christian life depends on it. Don’t allow selfishness to rob you of the servant’s attitude which is the greatest attitude that leads to enjoying life to its fullest.