I have wondered how much time I should spend working for others and when will I receive rewards for the work I have done. As I read Jesus’ parable of the talents, I am reminded of what being a good and faithful servant is all about.
“20And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ 21His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” – Matthew 25:20-21(ESV)
I see here that the servant was placed in charge of a significant item (5 talents) and went immediately to grow the talents for his master. In the parable, there is no mention to why the servant worked to grow the talents for his master. There is no indication that he was given instructions to do so, and there is nothing that says there would be a reward for doing good work for the master. The servant simply felt it was his duty to do the good work as the master would do and look at opportunities to increase what he has been placed in charge.
I wonder sometimes if I am placing too much emphasis on my own reward and missing the greater good that comes from simply doing as those above me would have me do? I should be looking at the goodness in the work and not seeking the external or overt rewards.
When I am focused on the work that is my mission, “Improve lives through growth and learning as an example of Christ’s love”, I am joyful and excited at the intrinsic rewards of their growth. I am in the business of growing, developing, and leading others to their kingdom purpose and when someone realizes their worth, I should be joyful and sit back to take it all in as my reward.
When you are out in the world, are you focused on servant-hood? Are you looking for the extrinsic or intrinsic reward you receive from your service? What would it be like if you simply found joy in the work as a servant?
Trevor's Thoughts 