Is duty enough?

I ran across a question a couple of weeks ago that has caused a great deal of thought on my part.


Question: If your child weren't serving God out of love, would you rather he serve out of duty or not at all.  I posed the question on Facebook but didn't get a lot of response.


My first response when I saw the question was that I would rather my children serve not all.  I got 2 responses on FB, one said not at all because they've missed the heart. Another said duty because then they would at least not have the repercussions of regret that might come with not at all.


I have continued to think about it.  My answer hasn't changed.  I still say not at all because of several reasons.


1. At least with not at all, I know where my child stands.  There is no hidden rebellion because it's all out in the open.
2. Duty carries a negative light in Scripture.  Luke 17:7-10  (But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do)  See also Matthew 7:21-23 where the duty was done, but God still did not recognize it as worthy.
3. It carries the conotation of selfishness in that duty is often self-seeking.  We don't want others to look upon in a negative light; we don't want to be thought of badly; we don't want to disappoint someone.  That goes against our greatest commandment to love God above all.  In duty we do not see love of God, but love of something baser.
4. It also seems to be lukewarm.  I'll do it because I have to.  It isn't because I want to (hot); it isn't left undone (cold.)  It is done but not wholeheartedly.


I think that there are more reasons that will come to mind as I continue to think about it.  Until then, I welcome your views and reasons.