I recently got in a snort when I didn’t receive some accolades, I thought I deserved. Then I read Luke 17:7–10.  It was as clear as a cloudless day that God was talking to me.  He is a good Father, I am His child, and I needed correction. Honestly, it wouldn’t be hard for me to be upset.  For example, oh never mind - it’s just my crying about stuff.  It could fester if I’m not careful.

When we fail to keep a God-centered perspective our problems begin.  Yes, I am a child of God, but I am also a servant of the King of kings.  I have a responsibility to serve. Luke 17:9 says, “Does a master thank his servant because that servant does what he is commanded?”  No, God owes me nothing, while I owe Him everything.  We don’t even deserve the privilege of serving Him.

I felt a little stunned, but it was exactly what I needed.  Who am I to require accolades for anything?  If my Master says go, I go.  If anyone deserves thanks and a standing ovation, it’s Jesus.  What would we be without Him?  Apart from Christ, I am lost, hopeless, and weak.  With Him I am cloaked in so much hope and love that (hopefully) it overflows to others.  Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord.”  God doesn’t need to thank me.  I’m the one who needs to thank Him for every opportunity He grants me to bring glory to His great name.  However, God assures us that our labor for Him is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)  God is watching, and He misses nothing.  Which is better, to receive our reward now in the form of applause and assets that may tempt us toward pride and idolatry? Or wait for God to reward us in heaven where pride will not be an issue and rewards last forever? (1 Peter 5:6)

One of the best ways to keep a God-centered perspective is to view each assignment as a ministry opportunity.  When I keep God’s kingdom at the forefront of my mind, everything I do transforms to ministry.  Serving my wife becomes a ministry.  Rocking babies becomes a ministry.  Grocery shopping is a ministry when I keep my eyes open for lost souls who need encouragement.  Work is ministry when God is the reason I go to work.  It’s all about perspective… “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people... You serve the Lord Christ”    - Colossians 3:23–24

Be thankful God allows you to serve Him.  Ministry is what happens when believers live for God’s glory.