Life.
Life happens. Life gets busy and crazy.
We can feel we are not understood. We can feel we are not appreciated. We try to please others. We compare ourselves to others. We get discouraged and frustrated. And to be honest . . . some days I just have a terrible attitude. It is on those very days that I need a reminder.
When I take my eyes off Jesus, they are put onto those around me. When that happens, I am more concerned that I am appreciated or understood. I am more concerned if I am doing as much as someone else. I need His word to lovingly put me in my place.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,Β since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” {Colossians 3:23-24}
This puts it all into perspective. Right here, in the middle of my ordinary life, I am working for Him.
It is about so much more than me. It is about Him. We are doing work that matters. When we may be doing the same thing day after day, we might lose the importance of it.
We forget we are working for Him and to bring glory to Him.
Whether we are serving our spouse, our children, our parents. Whether we are ministering in our church. Whether we are serving as a missionary in another country. We are all doing His work. And He deserves the best from us. Whether we are folding laundry or speaking to a crowd of thousands. We are all doing His good work. And He deserves the best from us.
Your role in the kingdom of God is no less important than the most glorified ministry role you could imagine. God has entrusted you with a purpose. He has a mission for you that is important and that matters.
When we remember Who we are working for, we can get through those rough moments. It keeps us from just giving up. We are serving Christ. And when we work with a spirit of love and generosity, it is not for praise or competition, it is for Him. He is the One we serve when we love others.
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” {1 Corinthians 10:31}
When you are frustrated or discouraged, ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing and Who you are working for. When we keep our focus on that, our perspective and attitude will be grace-filled.
Do all things for Him, with all your heart and just bring Him glory.
by Jennifer, StudioJRU
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Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
It is edifying to do my work for Redeemer Christian Foundation unto the Lord. When I’m doing that I know that I’m serving Him. But, folding laundry, vacuuming, cleaning up messes, these actions don’t seem so glorifying, but you’re right…when done with the right attitude they can be fragrant and pleasing offerings unto God. Thanks for the attitude adjustment this am.
Blessings,
Bev
An says
Thank you, dear Bev, for your words this morning, how with the right attitude everything can be a “fragrant and pleasing offering.” Grateful to the Lord for you π
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Thank you…having a rough day myself so your sweet comment was a balm to my heart!! π
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Yes… those not so fun actions that don’t seem so glorifying are serving your family and therefore serving Him! He is so happy with your loving service, Bev!
Beth says
This is just so perfect for me today. I love this line- “When I take my eyes off Jesus, they are put onto those around me. When that happens, I am more concerned that I am appreciated or understood.” Amen, sister! I do indeed need to remember daily, hourly, minute-by-minute who I’m working for, and it will make all the difference (and will bind those thoughts of comparison!) Thank you so much for this – it’s made an impact in my day.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Thank you so much. Those reminders really do make all the difference… I know I need them! Hope you have a great day ahead, Beth!
An says
Jennifer, I praise the Lord for this beautiful admonishment this morning. Having the right focus is what keeps each of us close to Him who loves us, doing it all for Him. Thank you for speaking this wonderful words today; to help set me in the right focus today as I work thorough some hard things. May each of us keep our eyes on the pioneer and perfector of out faith today and every day, the One who loves us so deeply and tenderly π
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Thank you so much, An! Praying as your walk through your journey of hard things… knowing He is loving you along the way!
Jolene Underwood says
A Men. It’s so easy to take our eyes off where we are supposed to be, with Christ. Every time I look around I become overwhelmed, or fearful, or some other feeling which tears down. When I choose to remind myself to keep focused where God has me, I am freed to live with joy and peace in a way that must be experienced to understand. It’s other worldly.
Thank you for this.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Isn’t it amazing how focus can actually free us?! Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Jolene!
Beth Williams says
Jennifer,
Your post reminded me of Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Do Everything”. The gist is that everything you do-whether picking up toys, sweeping up cheerios, flipping burgers, etc. do it to the glory of the one who made you. That song helped me get through my work day and see my job as a glory to God.
We should always keep our focus on God and not others around us. He has plans for us that only He can and will work out to His praise and glory!!
Blessings π
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
That is awesome, Beth! Thanks so much for sharing… I am going to look up that song right now!
Penny says
Thank-you for your post Jennifer.
The other day my youngest son offered to help with the laundry. After it was all put away he happily said,
“I’ve never felt so accomplished.”
Penny
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Aww… that is so sweet! Thanks for sharing, Penny!
Rebecca Jones says
I love this too, it’s not that I needed praise but sometimes you like to have approval bit I found this verse,” God has already approved what you do.” Ecc. 9:7, we don’t get saved by works, but He has approved of things for us to do, so if I blog or write or fold laundry at 2 a.m or not at all resting in Him. He’s pleased.
Jennifer {StudioJRU} says
Oh that is great, Rebecca! Love that! Thank you for sharing!
joni says
Sometimes I wished I had a tiny twinkle of a clue or dream of what that was.