Counting the cost
The Unworthy Servants
Also called We Have Only Done Our Duty
A servant who has done his work does not expect to be thanked for doing his work.
What it turns on
Uncomfortable in a culture built on recognition. Duty, here, is not a grievance.
7But who is there among you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say when he comes in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down at the table,’
8and will not rather tell him, ‘Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me, while I eat and drink. Afterward you shall eat and drink’?
9Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not.
10Even so you also, when you have done all the things that are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty.’ ”
World English Bible, public domain. Read the whole chapter →
More on counting the cost
The Wise and Foolish BuildersTwo houses, one on rock and one on sand. The same storm hits both.Counting the CostA man builds a tower without pricing it out. A king marches to war outnumbered.The Barren Fig TreeAn owner wants to cut down a tree that has not fruited in three years. The gardener asks for one more year.New Wine in Old WineskinsYou do not patch old cloth with new, or pour new wine into brittle old skins.