Servants, good

Scripture identifies certain qualities which are found in good servants and requires that these qualities should be found in believers' service of God.

Qualities found in good servants

Diligence

Ecclesiastes 9:10 See also 1 Kings 11:28; Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 22:29; Matthew 25:14–23 parallel Luke 19:12–19

Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 4:2 See also Exodus 21:5–6; 2 Samuel 15:21; 2 Chronicles 34:11–12; Nehemiah 13:13; Proverbs 25:13; Daniel 6:4

Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

Honesty

2 Kings 22:7 See also Genesis 39:6; 2 Kings 12:15; Titus 2:9–10

But they need not account for the money put into their hands, since they work with integrity.”

Obedience

Ephesians 6:5 See also Luke 17:10; Colossians 3:22

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

Perseverance

Genesis 31:40–41 See also 2 Thessalonians 3:12–13

As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. Thus for twenty years I have served in your household— fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks— and you have changed my wages ten times!

Respect

1 Timothy 6:1–2 See also Malachi 1:6; 1 Peter 2:18

All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.

Willingness

Ephesians 6:6–7 See also 1 Chronicles 28:21; Titus 2:9

And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,