GIRL, GET YOUR APRON ON!
LUKE 17:7–10
“When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey Me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
As women in ministry, we wear a lot of hats. I don’t know about your church, but sometimes there just isn’t anyone else to do the (fill in the blank) job. Maybe someone called in sick. Maybe a need popped up that no one planned for. And often, we are the ones who quietly step in and take care of it.
It can be easy to notice what no one else sees. The candy wrapper under the chairs. The toilets that need cleaning. The ground up Cheerios in the kids’ room carpet. And if we’re honest, it can be tempting to wish someone else would notice, or at least say thank you for cleaning it up.
In Luke 17, Jesus reminds us of something that goes straight to the heart. Obedience to God is not about being seen, praised, or recognized. A servant does not serve to earn approval. A servant serves because they belong to their Master.
Jesus is not saying we should never rest or that every need belongs to us. He is reminding us that when God assigns us a task, we serve Him faithfully whether anyone notices or not. Our motivation is not applause. Our motivation is obedience.
People may never see the countless things we do behind the scenes, but God does. He sees every quiet act of faithfulness. He sees the surrendered heart. And while our reward may not always show up here on earth, it is secure in Heaven, where nothing done for Him is ever forgotten.
Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Work with all your heart at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
So what has the Lord placed in your hands right now? Where is He asking you to put on your apron and serve Him with joy and humility? Arise and shine, knowing that even the things only the Lord sees are filled with eternal significance.
