Whatever you do, work at it with all 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 Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
Over the last couple of weeks I have been thinking about this one question, "Whom do you serve?" I like to say that it doesn't really matter what people think about me. I like to think that only God matters. Those statements easily flow from my lips, but most days they are not flowing from my heart.
A couple of days ago I was in one of my "I really do not want to clean this house" today kind of moods, (yes I know this is my attitude pretty much every day). But I knew that I really had a lot to get done. The fun I have been having with my kids creating their Unforgettable Childhood. . .has really been doing a number on my house. Glue, little fingers and string = sticky chairs, table, counters, etc.
I went to my room and I pulled out my Bible and I turned to this verse. I sat and dwelled on it a bit. I read it and reread it. I was thinking to myself, I should clean and that would make my hubby really happy. But I realized I should be thinking of it as serving the Lord.
When my home is in shambles, the last thing I want to do is open it to others. My husband taught me a good lesson on Friday night as we stood in a restaurant. He invited friends over to our home for dessert. I almost had a heart attack right in the restaurant. Thankfully, my house was pretty put together and we got there before they did so I could make one final walk through.
So on this house cleaning day I put on some praise music, grabbed my cleaning supplies and praised God as I put stuff away. It was amazing how much easier it was with a good attitude and a servant's heart.
This may sound silly to you, but for anyone that knows me well, you know, cleaning is a huge struggle for me. I have been married for 10 years and believe me my husband does not love me for my housekeeping abilities.
My husband is always happy and a bit relieved when the house is clean, but a couple of days ago I wasn't doing it for him and the praise I get for doing it. (My top love language is words of affirmation so his words do help :-)
I was doing it for the Lord. Because I know that He wants me to have a clean house, too!
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7 comments:
I can't tell if you posted this or if I did! WOW - I feel the EXACT same way. We always laugh that my hubs did not marry me for my housekeeping. I find everything else to do (even plucking eyebrows) more appealing than cleaning!
My love language is also words of affirmation! So if I do clean, and my husband doesn't say anything -- oh I hate it!
But you're right, a mature Christian knows she is doing it for the Lord. I always think about James 1:17 - every good and perfect gift is from above - even my home I should be taking care of for HIM!!
great post!!
Stef
Wonderful post! It's so easy for me to switch from doing things for the Lord to doing things for praise... I need constant reminding... thank you for the reminder! ♥
Love this!! So true that my attitude is dramatically different if I keep in mind, "do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!"
I think alot of us split the sacred and the secular without knowing it. As though God is only honored when we share our faith or study the Word... but He is also honored when we turn our daily tasks into an altar of worship to Him and do it for His glory!
I agree with all! I read a great book about this idea - Practice the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. I tend to procrastinate with some of those mundane jobs as well, Amy ~ thanks for your reminder to do them as unto the Lord!
Blessings,
Dana
Awesome post...and I'll have to try putting praise music on while cleaning--that's a great idea!!!
I'm right there with you on this one.
Amy, I wrote a similar post not too long ago. I always am looking for ways to serve others, but see cleaning as an "obligation" rather than a chance to serve my family. And I thank you for the reminder that even in cleaning, it's not my family I'm serving... it's God. And you're right -- cranking up the praise music really does help the cleaning go much smoother (and faster). Oh... and I share with you also the lack of clean genes -- and the fact that my husband does not love me for my neat freak tendencies -- because I have none! :) Have a great weekend -- enjoy the SD spring! :)
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