Whatever We Do...Let's Do it for God

When my husband and I were just-married-youngsters (18 & 17), we were given some not-so-appealing jobs by his dad. He was the pastor of the church and we were the designated church custodians. My husband was a perfectionist. Oh, yes, he was. I was NOT! The church got the best of his perfectionism. He was the floor cleaner and polisher. When he was finished, those floors glistened. I got the bathrooms, including the toilets. I would laughingly say "I'm kneeling before the porcelain throne". I also said this scripture: "Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people." (Colossians 3:23). When I said those words with heart and soul, it made such a difference in making those toilets pristine clean.

We're on this germ-free mindset -- extra hand washing, using hand sanitizers, disinfecting our homes, drinking lots of water and eating lots of fruits and veggies for our immune system and social distancing ourselves. I’ve seen many of my neighbors posting on the Next Door app “Please let me know if I can run errands or pick up groceries for you!” I’ve watched you social media folks and you’re posting scriptures and calming words of hope. We may ask: "Is it really worth it? Are we really helping?" But, then this scripture comes up: “Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) When we do EVERYTHING as God's ambassadors, we are doing it – not just for us and those around us – but we're doing it ALL for God’s glory. And, then, it makes Him even more famous!

So here we are – smack dab in the middle of this “state of emergency” and many of us are pretty much homebound as we abide by the social distancing guidelines. But, we can be at home and whatever we do, we can still do it for God’s glory. Like what I did yesterday. I called friends and family that I hadn't spoken to in a long time. I texted and emailed words of cheer and encouragement. I prayed and read God's words from His “medicine chest” -- the Bible.

We can put uplifting and faith-filled words all over our homes. Keeping our minds filled with optimism and positivity (God’s Word is the best place to find that). We can get some Spring-cleaning done. I plan to start on clearing out unused clothes in my closet today! AND, this office chair that has had a broken arm rest for months? I ordered a new armrest from Amazon. It will be here today. Why did I wait so long?

When we stay on the side of optimism, peace and joy, we are doing all we do for God’s glory. Keeping in mind that we are still in the season of Lent, this is the perfect time to sacrifice all our complaints, worries and inconveniences with an attitude focused on the glory of God.

It’s not what we identify as the ideal Lenten season that leads up to Passion Week, but I think we can learn from our Savior’s example. Leading to the cross, He did everything for the glory of His Father. Was He inconvenienced? Was He misunderstood? Was He about His Father’s business in spite of it all? Perhaps it’s time to lean into Him more so we complain and worry less and prayerfully ask ourselves “In everything I do, am I doing it for the glory of God? If not – why not?

An Honest Day’s Pay for an Honest Day’s Work

Yesterday I remembered this quote after I saw two men that my son hired to help us. They moved heavy furniture from one room to another; they tore down boxes; they carried heavy boxes up to the attic; and they repositioned heavy rocks that had fallen. My son hired them at a “standard” spot, Home Depot parking lot in East Austin. It’s known as “the spot” to find men who desire an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work. And, work these two men did. We accomplished so much with their help. They desperately wanted and needed to work and it felt so good to know we were able to be a blessing to him, while he was being a blessing to us.

I picked up my 11-year old grandson from school and he asked about our day and I told him about the men. We talked about how some folks stand on a street corner and they hold up a sign that says “Please help me” or “Please give me anything”, but not too often do we see them saying “Please let me help you" or "Please give me work.” I'm not judging them because I know every person has their own set of circumstances, but isn’t it encouraging to see someone who is willing to work and do whatever it takes to make a living?

God was the first worker and He sure did a good job in showing us what a meaningful day of work was all about. He “worked” for six days creating the world until He chose to rest and appreciate what He had accomplished. God’s example is “an honest day’s work”.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 says "If anyone doesn't want to work, he shouldn't eat." The Proverbs are filled with warnings to the lazy. Laziness is a major headache to employers, and more importantly, it must displease God. For example, Proverbs 6:10-11 “"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man."

When my husband and I first married (at ages 17 & 18), I worked as a file clerk making $1.25 an hour. I was so happy at the end of the week when I was able to contribute to our budget. And my sweetheart was not only attending college, but he had a full time job, and on top of it, we were able to bring in a little more income by cleaning the church his dad pastored. Not a showy job to brag about except we did say “We’re getting to clean the porcelain thrones (the toilets)!” We would remember the scripture that said in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

I want to be on the side of pleasing God in everything I do – especially when I have the opportunity to be a “chip off God's block” -- work hard, and then sit back and be appreciative for the ability He gave me, as well as what that work produced.