What do we think of when we hear "A Watchful Servant"?

What image comes to mind when you think of a watchful disciple of God?

For me, it is the image Jesus gives — a servant who remains dressed and ready, faithfully carrying out his duties in the day and ready to respond whenever the master calls at night.

Nighttime often represents our weakest moments, when we are most fatigued and least alert. Personally, I am usually a light sleeper; even slight noises or distant thunder can wake me, and I often rise early. Unlike my sister, a deep sleeper, who was completely unaware of the rain. 

This made me reflect: when we are at our weakest, be it physically, emotionally, or spiritually, are our hearts still sensitive to the calling of God and to the needs of the church? Or do we grow tired of church work and turn instead to scrolling through social media or watching movies to de-stress? Some of us have experienced spiritual burnout and some decide to step back from serving. But we should ask ourselves: when we take a break, are we truly nurturing ourselves spiritually so that we can be ready to serve again?

I must confess that I am often guilty of spending too much time on social media. Before I realise it, my spiritual strength quietly drains away. 

If we choose not to serve, do we really regain strength—or do we slowly run out instead? Like an electronic device, even when unused, its battery continues to drain. But when it is used regularly, it is also charged regularly, and the battery stays full. In the same way, when we serve God, we devote more time in prayer and God will continue to fill us with the Holy Spirit and give us more strength and gifts to serve. 

If we stop serving because we feel tired, we may find ourselves becoming increasingly lethargic—less alert, less watchful, even late for service because we have no duty. 

Waiting on God does not mean doing nothing. A waiter does not simply wait, he serves. Likewise, as we wait for our Master’s return, let us continue to serve God faithfully as serving God is what keeps us spiritually vigilant. And what a promise Jesus gives us: the Master Himself will dress to serve and welcome His faithful servants at the heavenly feast.

“Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.” (Luke 12:37)

Reflection:

Like Father, like Son. Jesus perfectly bears the image of the heavenly Father. He did not come to be served, but to serve, even stooping to the place of the lowest servant to wash His disciples’ feet. As children of God, do we reflect this same servant’s image in our service towards Him?