A man was shouting at a waiter (server) in a restaurant. “Can’t you be attentive. You are not serving us; you are too distracted and disoriented.” He rushed out of the restaurant without dining. Waiting and serving are an art as well as a skill. People of God should look to the Lord like servants look to the hand of their masters and the maids look to the hand of their mistress. They look until mercy comes upon His people. (Psalm 123:2) Looking should be with reverence, an attitude of obedience, consistency, expectantly, submissively, diligently, and delightfully.
Dependence: Waiting is an expression of dependence and submission. God is the provider, protector, and guide. A servant or a maid has to be dependent on those who are benevolent. The prayer: ‘Give us this day our daily bread’, is the expression of disciples of their total dependence on God for all their material, physical, emotional, mental, psychological, and spiritual needs. (Matthew 6:11)
Diligence: Diligence is being present to serve with complete focus and concentration. Applying all the mind, strength, ability, and skills to get work done. It is neither to be distracted nor to be negligent in the task given. Those who are diligent would serve the kings or people in authority and influence. (Proverbs 22:29) All disciples ought to be diligent in serving the Lord, fulfilling their calling in the world concerning job, ministry, family, community, and nation.
Discipline: Those who wait need a set of skills. Patience is highly valued, which means not being frustrated, irritated, or angry. Discipline also involves doing what is routine efficiently and doing innovative things effectively. Knowing the relevant information and skills, to perform excellently. It includes fitness: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Delightful: Masters are pleased with delightful service. Christians are expected to rejoice in the Lord always, do everything unto the Lord, and with thanksgiving. (Philippians 4:4; I Corinthians 10:31; I Thessalonians 5:18) A wise child brings joy to the father. (Proverbs 15:20) Wise disciples bring joy to the Heavenly Father.
How do I look unto the Lord?