Luke 17:10
When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"
Are you willing to work hard? I am. But I'll admit I suffer from, "I deserve" syndrome. Basically, I think that when I've put in hard work, whether it's extra hours in the office, sticking to a healthy eating plan, or spending a Saturday pulling weeds or cleaning out the garage, I think, "I deserve a treat." Like a new shirt or a dinner out. Sure, sometimes we have earned a little something, but we also have to recognize that you have to work hard just to make sure stuff gets done!
Sometimes I do the same thing with God. I go the extra mile or do something "super holy" and I think, God will definitely see this an give me a pat on the back. But there are two mistakes here. One- God cannot ever be indebted to us. And two - we should do the serving and loving that we do because of God's love, not the favor or reward we think it would earn us.
Next time you are (or aren't) serving think about God's immeasurable love and let that be your motivation to go the extra mile.
