What about the faithful?

Luke 15: 1-32

I was once in charger of physically inventorying 20,000 documents. We had to maintain accountability of each and every one for various security and privacy reasons. Once complete with the normal inventory process, I reported to my boss that we had found all but three. Her face dropped in disappointment.

“It’s not so bad, boss,” I replied. “19,997 out 20,000 is better than 99%. That’s an A.”

She wasn’t very impressed. However, we began a more indepth search of records and under book shelves and between the pages of other documents. Finally, we rejoiced at having 100% accountability.

We focused a lot of effort on three documents we could not see. Those three lost documents cost a lot of time, effort and expenses that should have been dedicated to maintaining the status of the current documents.

So, how does this experience and the parables Jesus taught, relate to God’s Kindom?

Do the faithful get ignored while the newly saved or those who return to Christ are rejoiced over? What about those of us who I have posted about earlier? You know, those who are trying to be faithful, but are not recognized or celebrated as other lay leaders and church members. Does God appreciate the faithful servant who is in a less visible but labor intensive service? How are others more recognized for their visible work while some seem to be left out?

Luke 15 seems designed to answer these types of questions. At least, these are the answers I get from looking at the passage. When I wrongly feel some sort of injustice in these situations, I find comfort from Jesus’ words in the book of Luke. He puts some things in perspective. By seeing how Jesus answered the Pharisees, I can see how I can help with the recognition and rejoicing of people who either need to be energized by the recognition, have returned to following Jesus or are welcomed as new believers.

The Bible is full of encouragement to use our talents and our Spiritual gifts in God’s service. By using what God has provided each of us, we can fit in and joyfully serve in our right roles. If everyone is doing their part, the So, what is the conflict here?

The conflict is not entirely about faithful Christians being forgotten by God. The passage is meant to open the eyes of grumbling religious leaders who miss the point of a relationship with God. They are the “look at me” people who serve from the wrong motivations. They are inspired by position and duty, not by service to God.

When new converts, small and insignificant in social stature, are visited and doted upon by a man claiming to be God’s son, the leaders are left feeling indignant. Had they had the right heart, they would have heeded Jesus’ words: “…though art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad; for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again…”

Let our hearts be joyful in service to God and charitable to those who have accepted Christ as their savior and those who have returned to following him.