Thursday, September 12, 2013
By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo
Work Hard, Play Hard
Colossians 3:23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Last week, my husband and I took our almost three-year-old son to Disney World! After meeting, hugging, kissing, and dining with his beloved Disney characters AND getting 100% of his family's attention, he decided in his little heart that Disney World was where he wanted to stay FOREVER! How do I know this? Every morning since we have been home, he asks, "Are we going to Disney World today?" THEN, the crocodile tears fall quickly when we all go our separate ways to work and school.
Finally, my husband asked him, "Son, do you like food and clothes?!? If so, I HAVE to go to work." Our toddler has no clue what vacation means and that his new beloved place is hundreds of miles away....lol.
Can you relate to my son's innocent desire to LIVE on vacation or to RE-live a wonderful time in his life? As nice as that would be, God has given each of us specific talents and responsibilities. When your daily tasks feel mundane, it's important to ask, "What am I doing this for, and who am I doing this for?
If we didn't work hard, our family vacation would have never been possible!
Today's scripture reminds us that work is not just "work." It's actually an act of worship to God. When you approach your God-given assignments with excitement and tenacity, you are bringing great honor to God.
Galatians 6:7 reveals a great truth when approaching all that we do, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."
This principle does not only apply to your job but also to your relationships. Sure, 365 days of vacation would be wonderful. Never leaving the honeymoon after marriage would be awesome. Shrinking your adult children back into toddlers for one last little hug would be amazing! However, growing things...CHANGE!
In the process of change, you could either freeze in time longing for how things WERE (crying each morning like a toddler desiring to return to Disney World) OR you could work hard unto the Lord in the season you are IN. By doing so, you will reap a positive harvest in all you do.
I challenge you to never grow stagnant in your season. Recognize God's purpose for you in that season...worship Him through your labor. Then, enjoy the wonderful benefits of your hard work...enjoy your "vacations" in life!
Dear Lord, Help me to always be aware of the change around me and to never miss your prompting in each season of my life.
I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.
