The Reward Is Coming - No. 44

Colossians 3:17,23-24, “Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him… And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

What do you have to do today? Is it the same old thing as yesterday? Clean the house, make the beds, cook the meals, do the laundry, school the children! Does it seem monotonous? Dear mother, you are not doing these things just for the sake of doing them, or just because they have to be done. You are doing them for the Lord! Shift your mind into a new gear! Instead of complaining about the daily grind, being to think of what you are really doing. You are making your home a resting place for God. You are keeping your house clean for God. You are training your children for God and His purposes.

This understanding changes your whole attitude. You certainly wouldn’t want to be a slubberdegullion for the Lord, would you? (Forgive me! I had to pop that word in which I read recently.  It is an old English word that means ‘slovenly’ and I think it sounds like a slovenly person, don’t you?) No, you will want to work with all your heart.

Dear mother, you are working for the highest employer in the universe. Act as though you are. When you get up in the morning, don’t lounge around in your robe (we call it a “dressing gown” Down Under!) No one goes to work in his or her robe. They dress appropriately.

Get dressed as soon as you get up. You will feel more like work when you are dressed for it. You are going to work for the Lord today. Everything you do will be for Him. You will do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. You will do everything with a thankful heart. You will do everything to the best of your ability.

I love The Message Bible translation that says, “Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn’t cover up bad work.”

Now read these words in Ephesians 6:5-8, TMB, “Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master…”

Oh yes, I have to share this Scripture with you too. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 says, “your love has meant hard work.” Love is not just a happy feeling. Love means hard work. You prove your love for your children by working hard to care for them. You prove your love for God by working heartily with joy as you serve in your home

Dear mother, it’s not all in vain. On the days when it seems too tough, look beyond the moment to the reward ahead.

God is watching. He is keeping His records. You will receive your reward. Your ultimate reward will be an eternal reward. God will not forget your labor of love toward Him as you lovingly, faithfully, heartily and happily keep your home and train your children for Him. 

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

PRAYER:

“Lord, please help me to remember each day who I am really working for – the King of the universe. Help me to remember, Lord, that I am working for an eternal kingdom, and that I will receive an eternal reward. Amen.”

QUOTE: