DOING OUR DUTY

        What are your duties in life? Have you ever been acknowledged or thanked for doing them? Were you expecting to be thanked?

        Last weekend Carol and I saw “1917”, a memorable film about a WWI British soldier given the task of delivering a message that would save a regiment from ambush and in battle. The soldier dutifully walked, ran, rode, swam, climbed and fought 24 hours through unimaginable suffering and death, finally handing the message to the commander who ordered his troops to stand down, thereby saving hundreds of lives, including the soldier’s own brother. 

        As we left the theater, Carol said, “That was so intense I had to remind myself to breathe. But that soldier did his duty.” That’s what most soldiers would say, “I only did my duty.”

        Jesus once told his disciples a story about faithful servant and ended it, saying, “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, “‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty’.” (Luke 17:10)

        Jesus is not saying it's unnecessary to thank people for what they do. He is saying we shouldn’t expect to be thanked for doing what we ought. When a football player makes a great throw, run or catch, the coach does not run out onto the field and thank him. That’s what the player is there to do - his duty. 

        Jesus came into the world to do His eternal duty, to give His life on the cross that we might be saved from eternal death. We shall never fully realize all that He did for us until we see Him in glory and are blessed in His presence.

        That young soldier did get a compliment (“Good job, son.”) from an officer. Saying “thank you” is always good to do, but we mustn’t expect it every time we do our duty. Our Lord can thank us if He chooses. On Resurrection Day, God will tell His faithful people, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21). 

        Meanwhile, we can - and should - serve the Lord and His people here and now. When we do, we are giving Him the gratitude He deserves.

It was fun watching the Chiefs win the Super Bowl yesterday, wasn’t it?

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com