“So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do'” (Luke 17:10 NKJ).
Can you visualize yourself bringing salvation to a billion people? Imagine yourself laying hands on millions of people and bringing healing to them. Picture yourself leading thousands of people to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. How would all this affect you? If God raised you up to do something great in His kingdom, what would your reaction be?
This statement from our Lord is a great equalizer. It helps to balance out ministries, to reduce them all to the same plane. Those with tremendous results have no more right to boast than those which produce much less.
When all the results of our efforts for the kingdom of God are in, we should say to ourselves, “All the glory should go to God. I’m just one of His submissive servants. I only did what I was told to do.”
This is not to suggest a phony modesty or a false humility. But I really believe the Lord does have to condition us for success, to groom us for results. Someone has remarked that a codfish lays 1,000 eggs and doesn’t say a word, while a hen lays one egg and cackles about it all day. Let us be such humble servants that we can experience great results in God’s kingdom and still remain unassuming.
Notice: it is not the Lord but the disciples who make the statement, “We are unprofitable servants.” The Lord says of them: “You are my precious jewels” (Mal. 3:17).
Keep things in proper perspective. Do not overrate yourself and the Lord will exalt you.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.