3 day plan

Do Your Work - Part 1

Day 1 of 3

NIV

Colossians 3:17

17And 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.

When was the last time someone thanked you for wiping their bottom, making them some lunch, or cleaning up the floor? Do you feel appreciated for your work as a mother?

The reality is most of the work of early motherhood goes unseen and unappreciated. And not in any malicious sense; it’s just that most of the things we do are either when we’re alone or only around babies and toddlers.

And let’s be honest, it can be hard doing all that work with little appreciation!

When we read this verse from Colossians, however, it gives us a different perspective.
For what goal should we be working or serving or encouraging or striving? For the praise and glory of God, in the name of Jesus!

And even when no one else is there to see us packing away the dishes or changing the nappy or running another bath, the Lord sees it all and He knows our hearts.

So, the next time you feel that pang of longing for appreciation, remember whose glory you are working for. Not your own, but the Lord’s.

Question
Do you ever feel unappreciated as a mother? What can you do to glorify God today in your work?

Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you that you are worthy of all praise and glory. I pray that you would help me to keep the right perspective. Please help me to lay off any feelings of bitterness or resentment in my role as a mother and help me to work for your glory alone. Amen.

 

Days

Colossians 3:1-25

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17And 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.

Instructions for Christian Households

18Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.