George H. Morrison explains, "[People] who do their best always do more, though they be haunted by the sense of failure. Be good and true; be patient; be undaunted. Leave your usefulness to God to estimate. He will see to it that you do not live in vain." These days we hear about go-getters and quiet quitters. The term "go-getter" refers to "an aggressively enterprising person" according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, that also defines the term "quiet quitter" as "someone who does the minimum amount of work required for a job." Some estimate over half of the U.S. workforce fit in the category of "quiet quitters." Jesus said, "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). After receiving a flattering introduction, J. Hudson Taylor entered the pulpit and quietly said, "Dear friends, I am the little servant of an illustrious Master." Notice three movements in the account recorded in Luke 17:1-10.

First, note the requirements for the disciples. Luke 17:1-4 reads, "Then He said to the disciples, 'It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent," you shall forgive him.'" Here Jesus commands His followers to forego offenses and to forgive offenses.

Second, note the request of the disciples. Luke 17:5 reads, "And the apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.'"

Third, note the response to the disciples. Luke 17:6-10 reads, "So the Lord said, 'If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, "Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea," and it would obey you. And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, "Come at once and sit down to eat"? But will he not rather say to him, "Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink"? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 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.'" Jesus shares an inspirational statement followed by an instructional story, known as the parable of the unprofitable servants.

Dear believer, are you a go-getter or a quiet quitter?

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.