Whatever You Do

 

1/23/2021

Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..."

This was the verse that hung next to my husband's desk at his last job. It is also the verse on the business cards for his own company. It says a lot about how he approaches his work and what his work ethic is based on. He never looked to others for validation, but with integrity and faith, he carried out his work to honor God. He knew this was important for his testimony. 

This morning, as we were discussing many ideas and inspirations about moving forward on the path that God has laid out before us, I remembered this verse. I have been meditating on it most of the day, and reflecting on if I go about all the work I do with this same intention. Sadly, I am embarrassed to admit that my answer is no. There are a lot of tasks that I do not do with all of my heart for the Lord. Many of them are things that would be considered more drudgery-related duties: laundry, dusting, dishes, and general cleaning. Not that I frequently complain about these chores, but I often do not do them, like Snow White, with a song on my lips and joy in my heart. This is something I am feeling challenged by today. If I am truly grateful to God for my home, my clothes, my food, and my family, shouldn't I carry that gratitude into maintaining and caring for what God has so richly blessed me with? 

I will share something that helps me keep joy present even when doing the dirtiest of jobs. It helps me a lot when I put on K-Love while I work. Listening to contemporary Christian music and praise songs keeps me focused and joyful. This may be cheating in a way, but it works for me. It also helps me when my husband and I work together, because no matter what we are doing, we always find the fun in it. I am praying that one day, I will be mature enough in my faith to be in the state of doing all I do with a grateful heart as I work for God.