When You Have Done Everything
Since the mid-1950s, it has been unfashionable to talk about ‘doing your duty.’ I’m not quite sure why things changed. Jesus taught his disciples something very important. Duty often separates the civilized from the barbarian. It’s also part of being his disciple.
Christians Have Duties
In the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he attends a wedding. His mother, Mary, realizes the family ran out of wine. Perhaps it’s because so many people showed up with Jesus. She turns to Jesus to ask him if he can do something about it. He replies, “Woman, my time has not yet come.” He’s going to work on his own time and schedule. But he did turn some water into wine. His duty included honoring his mother.
Paul went blind on the road to Damascus. After being helped into the city, he stayed blind several days. God spoke to a Christian named Ananias. “Go to this man Saul (as he was called then). Lay hands on him and pray he regains his sight.” Ananias says, “No, I can’t do that. This man has arrested believers and thrown them into jail. He’s split up families and had people killed. So, it’s not possible.” But at the Lord’s nudging, he finally went with some fear. That was his duty (Acts 9).
Above and Beyond
We’ll say of a person, “They’re going above and beyond the call of duty.” God expects plain old duty of us as His children.
For instance, there’s the command that a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife. Celebrating anniversaries with my wife, Janet, can be a lot of fun. But in the final analysis, I’m also doing my duty. Nothing special or above and beyond about that.
We confess our sins (John 11:9). We gather weekly with other people of faith (Hebrews 10:25) and study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15). It’s our regular practice. We also give tithes and offerings (1 Corinthians 16:2) and pray for one another (James 5:16). And we strive to perfect our holiness, to be more like Christ (II Corinthians 7:1). When Joseph in Egypt rejected the advances of the captain’s wife, he did his duty. We actively avoid and repel all immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18).
No Special Reward Expected.
If we discover something wrong in our lives, we determine to change. We detect an obvious sin. So, we work on it. That’s doing our duty. No need to make a banner. “Look, God, aren’t I great? Look at the habit I gave up.” We can’t do it without His help anyway.
It’s that way in our home life too. We don’t expect a trophy every time we wash dishes or a load of clothes. Or a standing ovation when we come home from work. Yet people try to bargain with God. “Lord, if you’ll answer this prayer, I’ll go to church every Sunday.” “Big deal,” He says. “You’re supposed to do that anyway.” It’s our calling, a part of who we are. We’re not made super-spiritual by these acts. It’s the common denominator.
Elusive Blue Bird of Happiness
We Want Fun and Adventure
Duty is rarely fun or adventurous nor satisfying in its individual parts. We may just crank through. Life isn’t always a great delight. We’re not thrilled with lots of things we must do. That doesn’t mean we cut it out.
Each of us needs to do our part to make things work—at home, at work, and in God’s Kingdom. (Ephesians 4:16). I think doing your duty is a great calling, a high motive, and a noble virtue.
I Corinthians 12:7, 14:12 …”Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” and “Seek to abound for the edification of the church.”
Give your spiritual gift of teaching, singing, or whatever to the church for the building up of the saints. Fulfill your unique role for expansion of God’s Kingdom. There may be something you can do that no one else can. Paul said, “Woe unto me if I do not preach” (1 Corinthians 9:16). He had a burning desire to do this one task given him.
Finding Delight in Duty
Here’s how you make all that work positive.
1) Realize you’re needed to fulfill a well-defined role. God does want us to do something. And we can know when we’ve completed it.
2) You’re given a chance to demonstrate consistency and faithfulness before God. Jesus encourages us to be faithful in all things. It’s a proving ground. Then we’re ready to do more for God.
3) Hanging in there for the long run brings a sense of satisfying pleasure. That’s true with commitments in relationships like with friends and in marriage, as well as our service to God. Days and moments of faithfulness add up.
4) It’s our daily ‘thank you’ note to God for all He’s done and all He is doing for us. We don’t work to get into heaven. That happens with faith in Jesus Christ alone. But how can we respond to God’s great love? We know part of the cost of our salvation. How do we show our gratefulness? By daily doing our duty.
Conclusion
At times, we find enjoyment in chores. But we do them no matter how we feel or what happens on this earth. Even in disappointment, sadness, or loss, keep plugging away (see prime example Ezekiel 24:15ff). In the process, you gain courage and perseverance. You grow up, become mature. It’s the open door to being most useful in God’s service.
“When you have done everything, you were told to do, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” Luke 17:5ff
Stephen Bly
Circa 1987
Man Going To Work Image by LwcyD from Pixabay
Blue Bird Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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