It's all about Him anyway - not about you!
Recently at church I overheard a young man talking with one of our Associate Pastors about why he had not been singing in the choir lately. While I didn't hear all of the conversation, I heard enough and watched this young mans body language to know that he was upset because he had been missing for whatever reason and the Praise Leader had not come to ask him about why he was gone or encourage him to come back. The Pastor he was talking to told him that he should be singing for Jesus and not because of anyone else.
How true? It's all about Jesus! Not about us. If we are working in the ministry to be seen of people then the condition of our hearts need some work.
Why are you doing it? Who are you working for?
Are you teaching that Sunday school class to get praises from the parents of the children you are shepherding? Are you singing in the choir so that the entire congregation will see you up front and know what a splendid voice you have?
Let's take this a step further. Why are you going to church? Because your parents did? Or because you have been taught it's what you are supposed to do?
Colossians 1:16 says we were created for God. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Because we were created by Him and for Him maybe we should do what
Colossians 3:23-24 says 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.
Don't get me wrong, I know what this young man is feeling. I am not proud to say this but I have in the past been right where he is now. Feeling hurt because someone didn't notice all the work I had done. But the Bible reminds us in these passages that we should not be doing it for the praises of men or to be seen but we should do everything, (not just at church) EVERYTHING as if we are working for the Lord. The verse says Whatever you do and this includes your marriage, how you raise your children, your housework and your job if you work outside of the home.
Are you working for the Lord?
What a great reminder! I really loved, "The verse says Whatever you do and this includes your marriage, how you raise your children, your housework and your job if you work outside of the home."
ReplyDeleteI really love Col 3:23-24. It one of my favorite verses to recite in my head while I'm doing dishes, cleaning the toilet...etc! :)
Thanks for blessing me with your words today!
Yes Yes YEs! I'm getting it. Realigning my priorities and making a real to do list that will accomplish much. Friend, you are a joy. I wish I could sit down and have a cup of green tea with you. Your words reach straight to my heart.
ReplyDeleteKinda enjoying our momma notes. I do hope you'll come on over and link up again. Slip your fave recipe, notes of encouragement, birthday pics, all things gloriously mom, into the link up. Just moms. Sharing our notes. Creating a melody.
http://justsarahdawn.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-new-to-do.html
Be blessed bunches,
Sarah
Love this, Jen! We had a gal leave our church because the worship leader didn't contact her and ask her why she hadn't been at church the last few weeks. The funny thing is that you could DO that and call and ask someone why they hadn't been at church, and another person will turn around and leave because you told them you missed them. You can't win, lol!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us Who we're doing it for!
Very nice post Jen and I love your new blog name! I too would love to sit down over coffee or tea with you - You seem like such a kind sweet Christian mom - I am 54 and my kids are 28 and 33 and we have grandkids - I have more time for myself now - but I appreciate what it's like to keep a schedule, housework, laundry, food, kids, etc. You are doing great!
ReplyDeleteJust popping back over to say that the new "Making Your Home Sing Monday" linky party is now live and ready for your posts! http://www.momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/2013/06/when-your-husband-wont-pick-up-after.html
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