17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:23-24
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
"Whatever you do" - These words cover a lot. And it's reiterated in a single chapter (and elsewhere in Scripture, by the way). This has caught my eye many times before, but I need to be reminded of it. Whatever I do means laundry, dishes, cleaning the bathroom, making dinner, making copies, writing blogs, etc... Everything is covered here, and I am to do all of it in the name of the Lord.
Some things are easy to think about doing in the name of the Lord- praying for people, singing on the worship team, studying Scripture, preparing Bible studies. But I'm beginning to think that where it is really evident that I truly love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (just "the first and greatest commandment," said Jesus in Matthew 22:37-38), is in these every day ways that I serve my family, friends and neighbors (by the way, second great commandment, according to Jesus is "love your neighbor as yourself," Matthew 22:39).
But I'll be honest. I don't always feel like serving. I didn't always want to get up in the middle of the night with the baby or change their diaper. I've only rarely thought about making dinner for those around my table as the way I serve Jesus. It was always just something I did. And sometimes, the "menial chores" that have made up most of my life as a stay at home mom, have felt like I am not a valuable contributor, dare I say worth less.
How untrue this is! What a lie from Satan! Jesus Himself taught us that serving is true greatness! Washing feet- surely a most humbling job (and kind of icky!)- was a way that Jesus personally demonstrated ministry through practical service (and additionally, a beautiful sacrifice of worship when a woman who experienced Christ's forgiveness served Jesus in this way -Luke 7).
Women (and any men who are reading the women's blog), your work is valuable and a way that you worship the Lord and show His love to those around you! Whether you are VP of a company, a server in a restaurant, a stay at home mom, a nurse, an engineer- whatever! Whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. What a difference it can make if we wake up and think that all of our tasks are ways that we are able to serve the Lord, ways that we can glorify Him and make His Name known. It gives a new importance to sweeping the floor or sending the email or wiping the nose. Whatever you do, do it for the Lord.
Whatever you do, do it for the Lord.
Colossians 3:17
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:23-24
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
"Whatever you do" - These words cover a lot. And it's reiterated in a single chapter (and elsewhere in Scripture, by the way). This has caught my eye many times before, but I need to be reminded of it. Whatever I do means laundry, dishes, cleaning the bathroom, making dinner, making copies, writing blogs, etc... Everything is covered here, and I am to do all of it in the name of the Lord.
Some things are easy to think about doing in the name of the Lord- praying for people, singing on the worship team, studying Scripture, preparing Bible studies. But I'm beginning to think that where it is really evident that I truly love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (just "the first and greatest commandment," said Jesus in Matthew 22:37-38), is in these every day ways that I serve my family, friends and neighbors (by the way, second great commandment, according to Jesus is "love your neighbor as yourself," Matthew 22:39).
But I'll be honest. I don't always feel like serving. I didn't always want to get up in the middle of the night with the baby or change their diaper. I've only rarely thought about making dinner for those around my table as the way I serve Jesus. It was always just something I did. And sometimes, the "menial chores" that have made up most of my life as a stay at home mom, have felt like I am not a valuable contributor, dare I say worth less.
How untrue this is! What a lie from Satan! Jesus Himself taught us that serving is true greatness! Washing feet- surely a most humbling job (and kind of icky!)- was a way that Jesus personally demonstrated ministry through practical service (and additionally, a beautiful sacrifice of worship when a woman who experienced Christ's forgiveness served Jesus in this way -Luke 7).
Women (and any men who are reading the women's blog), your work is valuable and a way that you worship the Lord and show His love to those around you! Whether you are VP of a company, a server in a restaurant, a stay at home mom, a nurse, an engineer- whatever! Whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. What a difference it can make if we wake up and think that all of our tasks are ways that we are able to serve the Lord, ways that we can glorify Him and make His Name known. It gives a new importance to sweeping the floor or sending the email or wiping the nose. Whatever you do, do it for the Lord.