Words from the Rock
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
Matthew 24:45–47 NIV
Have you ever walked into a fast-food restaurant or small business and seen that the employees are slacking? Maybe someone is talking on a cell phone and someone else is sitting on a counter, and you wait for them to come help you, but it’s like they don’t care. Maybe they’re thinking, We only make minimum wage—what’s the big deal? But what would happen if the owner of the business walked in? They’d probably snap right to it. Well, unless they wanted to get fired.
Some people act differently based on who is watching them. For instance, students don’t usually cheat if the teacher has her eyes on them. Children don’t sneak candy if Mom is nearby. But what happens when no one is looking?
Jesus describes an employee who does what’s expected even though the employer is far away. This is a worker who knows what needs doing and enjoys doing it. This employee probably gets satisfaction from doing things right. And when the employer returns, he’s pleasantly surprised. He feels fortunate to have such a good worker and rewards him or her for a job well done.
How do you behave when you think no one is looking? Do you slack off, break rules, or do what you know you shouldn’t? Or do you get satisfaction from doing things right even if it seems like no one but you can see? And how does it feel to remember that God is always watching? He misses nothing. God wants you to grow up so that you’ll do what’s right no matter who’s looking. Why is that? Because he knows that is what’s best for you and will make you happiest, and he plans to reward you for it.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Please teach me to do what’s right no matter who is watching me. Help me to remember that it’s really in my best interest to obey you.
Amen.
Final Word
Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
Hebrews 6:12 NLT
Stone for the Journey
God knows and rewards when I obey.