1 Corinthians 9 (#3): I am an unprofitable servant.

Verse 16: I have no reason to boast about preaching the gospel, for it is something I must do. If I do not preach the gospel, woe to me!

◇ We work and expect to be compensated for it. When the pay is low compared to the amount, intensity, or quality of work, we negotiate to increase it. If negotiations fail, we quit the job. This is because the relationship between the worker and the employer is supposedly equal (although it may only be equal in form).

Is the relationship between God and Christians like that of an employer and employee?

"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)

There was a time when we discussed the concept of the "unprofitable servant." After worship, some people asked why they were considered servants. Some even asked in a challenging manner. While we are indeed privileged children of God, we are also clearly God's workers (co-workers) who must preach the gospel and serve. Focusing only on the privilege of being God's children and not considering ourselves as God's workers might reveal our weaknesses in humility and patience, don't you think?

Could it be that people expect compensation for their work, and when they don't receive it, they feel hurt and even threaten to leave the church? What if we approached God's work with the mindset of "I am an unprofitable servant who obeys and remains loyal to the Lord's commands?"

Paul considered preaching the gospel his mission. He said that he would live or die for God. Therefore, he gave up his freedom and became a servant. He did not boast about any of his deeds, as they were things he should naturally do as a servant of God. He did not demand compensation for his work or boast about it. He did not ask for a high position or a comfortable life because he had done much work. Even when people welcomed and exalted him, he did not become proud but maintained his position as a evangelist. When people persecuted, sued, beat, imprisoned, and even tried to stone him to death, Paul silently held his position as a evangelist. Could it be because he considered himself an unprofitable servant?

♧ Lord, I am your unprofitable servant. Help me to obey your commands without boasting or being disappointed! Holy Spirit, lead me in truth!