Friday, November 9, 2012

Redemption...Whistle while you work


Redemption takes place when Jesus saves us from any sin, error, or evil.  I am so thankful that His redemptive love isn't just a one time thing.  Jesus redeems us anytime we ask for our hearts to be changed.  I don't know about you, but my human heart is in constant need of redemption.

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Jesus Christ you are serving. 

We have huge impacts on everyone we come into contact with.  We can either resemble Jesus or we can resemble the world.  A very important place we impact others is in our place of work.  I am not only speaking of a job that gives you a paycheck.  I am referring to anything you are doing.  This can be motherhood, volunteering, etc.  Every kind of work we do is meaningful. 

Let's be honest.  Sometimes the work we do, regardless of what it is, leaves us feeling burdened and unappreciated.  We feel like we are working our tails off, yet no one notices.  This can lead to a bad attitude.  I speak from experience, I am in no way pointing fingers.  Our bad attitude will seperate us from God every single time.  I thought about the times I developed a bad attitude and it occurred to me that my pride cried out to be first every stinking time. 

I wanted others to realize my hard work...pride
I wanted to hear "thank you"...pride

And the list could go on and on...


I read Colossians 3:23-24 and realized that the work I was doing wasn't for the Lord, it was for recognition from others.  Ouch!  I bowed my head and asked Jesus to forgive me.  I thanked Him for allowing me and trusting me in my position.  Once my focus turned to Him, my attitude completely changed.

Are you feeling overwhelmed and unappreciated? 

A woman I know gave me the following.  It's a bit long, but well worth the read.  I have it on our fridge so I can read it often.  I need the reminder more often than not.

Continue On
By:  Roy Lessin
 
A woman once fretted over the
usefulness of her life.  She feared she was
wasting her potential being a devoted wife and
mother.  She wondered if the time and
energy she invested in her husband and
children would make a difference.
 
At times she got discouraged because so
much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed
and unappreciated.  "Is it worth it?" she often
wondered.  "Is there something better that
I could be doing with my time?"
 
It was during one of these moments of
questioning that she heard the still small voice
of her Heavenly Father speak to her heart.
"You are a wife and mother because that is
what I have called you to be.  Much of what
you do is hidden from the public eye.  But I
notice.  Most of what you give is done without
remuneration.  But I am your reward.
 
Your husband cannot be the man
I have called him to be without your support.
Your influence on him is greater than you
think and more powerful than you
will ever know.  I bless him through your service
and honor him through your love. 
Your children are precious to Me.  Even more
precious than they are to you.  I have
entrusted them to your care to raise for Me.
What you invest in them is an offering to Me.
 
You may never be in the public spotlight.
But your obedience shines as a bright light
before Me.  Continue on.  Remember
you are My servant.  Do all to please Me."
 
May your heart be lifted today of any burdens you are feeling.  Everything you do is for the Lord.  Know that He is well pleased with you.
 
 

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