We had a wonderful weekend, capped off by a glorious Fall Sunday. Today we made a day trip to Atlanta and enjoyed a timely sermon on an old familiar passage.
Colossians 3:23-24 (New Living Translation)
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
I was challenged afresh as a wife, mom and homemaker to do my job with pride and excellence. It is a blessing to my family, a great example for my children and an act of love towards my husband...but it is ultimately an act of worship.
I chose to use the New Living Translation for this post because I loved that instead of the word 'heartily' it used the word 'willingly.' I believe firmly in "blooming where you are planted" and serving God in the place He has you...but isn't it true that we sometimes take for granted that where we are is a gift, sovereignly ordained, having passed through the very hands of our maker in heaven?
I am praying God will help me maintain this perspective tomorrow as little people appear at my bedside much too early, hungry for breakfast. This day, this moment, this place is my holy assignment. I am working for God.
As I prepare lunches, gather readers and napmats and hustle everyone out the door I pray I will remember who my supervisor is...and that His desire is not just for me to mark tasks off the list, but for my life to exude fruit of the Spirit like love, joy, peace, kindness and self control.
Once the children are in school I pray I may deal with my chores, errands and volunteer roles in the same way. May my master be pleased at the work I am doing and the testimony it is for Him in the way that it is done.
Suddenly being a housewife feels less mundane and like much more of a holy calling.
6 comments:
Thought-provoking and encouraging at the same time. Thanks!!
Thank you- I have had a hitch in my "willingly" lately.
Amen!! Well said JMom! Thanks for the reminder. Blessings!!!!
What a great start to the day! Thanks for sharing that bit of motivation. By the way, I also prefer the translations using 'willing.' It is of vital importance that we remember to be willful in our service to the Lord. There are plenty of mornings that I just want to sleep 20 more minutes (ummm... this morning), or my dishes can wait a few more hours, or my child can read by himself while I sip my coffee. My Father will still love me, my child will not be damaged, my dishes will wait, but the point is that I CHOOSE to work-as the HCSB translations says- enthusiastically. And that I'm not enthusiastic because it feels good, but because I willfully choose to be!
Aaah, this just confirmed what the Lord's been speaking in my life. Isn't it funny how a message crops up every time you turn a corner until you get it?! Bless the Lord who doesn't give up when we're hard headed.
Thank you for this post!! What a great reminder and perspective!
Nice reminder when daily tasks seem so mundane and I want to moan and groan about all I have to do..Thanks for getting me back on track.
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