the winn fam

"whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" {Colossians 3:23}

i know this verse well. even memorized this chapter of scripture. but i don't think i really "get it".

i mean what in the world does it really mean to work "as for the Lord"? i know when i'm busy with work in our house this is usually the last thing on my mind. more often i'm craving an accomplished day for my husband's praise and others' approval.

earlier this week, as i was talking with Jim, God helped me to see what it really means to work heartily unto Him. and its pretty simple i think.

to work heartily as for the Lord means that he gets the glory.

not too complicated. when i work i point glory to him. i thank him. he gets the credit for allowing me to do anything at all. that's "as for the Lord".

now here's the thing. if i don't keep this straight then i think that my work is about my glory. i long for the praise and thanks of others, especially my husband. his praise may satisfy for a moment but it doesn't last. so then i despair or get angry feeling "taken for granted". could he express more appreciation? sure. but that's not really going to motivate me everyday. i can't look to my husband and others to fulfill what only God can. they're only image bearers after all. and praise has got to be bigger then me.

last Monday i was reading how scripture says that i'm to work at home "that the word of God may not be reviled" (Titus 2:5). in joyful selfless service to my family i can testify to the word of God. i can point to the Savior who laid down his life for me (Philippians 2:7). i can show that i'm living for the One who came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). that - is - not - ordinary. that is amazing! God gets glory in the gospel as i lay down my life in my work at home.
that is good motivation.

so when i help my husband with joy. God gets the glory.
when i willing sacrifice time doing a project or chore i dread. God gets the glory.
when i train. when i wash dishes. when i change diapers. when i organize winter clothes. when i christmas shop. when i read scripture. when i do any work at all - even as i'm writing this - God gets the credit! He gets all glory. and i thank Him!

so its not such an ambiguous or overwhelming task to work "as to the Lord" after all.
just give him credit and thanks for all you do.