Do we deserve applause?

Sometimes when we serve God, we may think afterwards that we did a mighty fine job! We may be pleased with ourselves, congratulated by others, and enjoy compliments - even applause. Many Christian singers and bands are constantly on the receiving end of applause.

So we serve, and may think to ourselves,

"That was a great sermon I preached!"
"I did really well at performing that song!"
"I'm a good Bible study leader. The church is blessed to have me on the team!"

These are, of course, all expressions of pride.

Jesus taught something that shows us that applause is undeserved - even if we do what others think was a fantastic job. Jesus shows us that if we think we are owed applause, we have the wrong perspective...

Jesus asked the disciples if a slave owner would thank his servant for doing the things commanded him (Luke 17:7-9). Jesus answered the question Himself: "I think not." 

He added:

"So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'" (Luke 17:10, nkjv)

The servant has not done anything worthy of applause. He simply did his duty.

The Christian has a duty to serve the Lord. It is, of course, a great privilege also. But in this context, Jesus described doing His commands as a "duty." So if we - in obedience to Jesus - were to cross land and sea to win souls, and we made GREAT sacrifices in doing so, and we did this faithfully for fifty years, at the end of it no applause would be deserved. Why? We simply did our duty.

What Jesus says here is good at knocking some pride out of us!  May God help us to serve Him with true humility. After all, He deserves all the glory!