“And whatever you do, do it heartily

Good Morning friends

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Colossians 3.23

If everyone knew what good they do themselves when they treat people well and do something for others. The people who receive what you do may even seem to be benefiting from it the most, but we are doing it for God, and He is does not owe anyone – He always rewards!This verse has been weighing heavily on my heart lately:

Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. Colossians 3:23

Earlier in that same chapter, Paul tells us:

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 

These are some heavy, convicting verses.  Because the verse doesn’t specify one particular type of activity or work. Instead, it says “whatever you do…”  It says “do all.”

I love to be a hostess. I want to make sure my guests have exactly what they need and that the house is clean(ish). I’m quick to serve them. Shouldn’t I serve my own family in this way as well?

And I think of that in terms of what I would want to do for Jesus Christ. If the God of the universe were coming over to my house, how would my attitude change?

Would I huff and puff if He asked me to stop what I’m doing and get something?

Would I roll my eyes at a comment He made, or would I give Him my full attention, knowing that nothing else were more important.

Would I spend a few extra minutes browsing facebook, or a few extra minutes in His presence?

Would I waste time on this or that, or would I be preparing for Him?

The bottom line is this–He is already here. He is all seeing. He is omni-present. He is already here day in, and day out…witnessing my not-so-great (and some downright ugly) moments.

These words apply to my homemaking, homeschooling, my attitude towards my husband and children–it applies to everything I do.

It’s setting a higher standard for myself– to do my best, my all and not just enough to get by. But even more than that, it’s a matter of heart. 

And it’s a lot easier if we have the perspective that we aren’t doing things for other imperfect humans, we are doing them for a perfect God who deserves all we have to offer and more.

There may be days when my husband or friends don’t “deserve” my kindness or patience (just as there are days when I don’t deserve their patience and kindness).  But there will NEVER be a day when God doesn’t deserve my best.

There may be days when it would be easier to forget the housework and browse blogs and facebook instead.  But I need to give my all to my savior who suffered so much, who loves me so much, who sacrificed so much. And He did it all for me.

God Bless