But
Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God,
and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55 (NIV)
There are
many examples in both Old and New Testaments of people with a servants’
attitude. Probably two of the most well-known
are Jacob’s son, Joseph, and Stephen, a First Century Christian. Joseph was falsely imprisoned, yet was faithful to do every job given to him, giving it his best, with God blessing him for his ability to accept delay, frustrations, suffering, and trouble with a spirit of grace and trust. Stephen waited tables to distribute food to
widows (Acts 6:1-5).
Stephen started with the smaller, less attractive tasks, which sat outside the spotlight on the Apostles. Yet because of his faithful service he was elevated to a position of supervision in the widow’s care. And it’s necessary to add, received a Standing Ovation from Christ, as he was willing to suffer and even lay down his life for his faith (Acts 7:56).
Paul
admonishes us as servants to act with respect, fear, and sincerity when business
takes the boss out of the building. He
calls us to do our jobs as servants of Christ, knowing if the boss isn’t
watching, His eyes are. Do it wholeheartedly, as though we’re doing it for Christ,
Himself, knowing He will reward us accordingly (Ephesians 6:5-8).
To be great
in the Kingdom of Heaven only takes a sincere and willing heart to finish the
little tasks fully. Being faithful in
the little things pleases God and exemplifies His will. To be great in His eyes
can mean taking care of the unattractive, yet necessary jobs, emptying the
trash or picking up a broom, not to be people pleasers, but to please your
Master in heaven.
If you’re
doing the kind of work that you may feel is small and unappreciated, with a
willing and humbled heart, you can be certain that at the Right Hand of the
Throne of Heaven you’re getting a standing ovation.
Ken
