Walking My Talk

Colossians 3:23~Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (NIV 84).

As I look at the verse in context-at the verses surrounding this one-I see ways to apply this in my life. For example, verses 22 & 23 tells me to not only DO whatever it is I am doing for the Lord, but to NOT only do this when people's eyes are upon me to win their favor. For me to be sincere (truly mean it) and to revere (deeply respect) the Lord. Ultimately it is HIM I am working for no matter what I do. How convicting!! How many times do we start out doing something with a pure heart and pure motives, only to be blindsided either by FEAR of man or to be noticed BY man?

The WHATEVER here is key. That doesn't just mean what we think of as 'work' for the Lord-those are good things too, but in this context it is anything. Waiting in the carpool lane, picking up the house for the 20th time, washing yet ANOTHER load of laundry, or meeting a deadline for our boss. My WHATEVER may look different than yours. I am a homeschooling mama to 4 blessings, working with this beautiful team of OBS sisters, doing reviews with the Mosaic Review Team, and taking care of my house and my precious husband. Everything we do is ultimately for God.

Jesus gives us lessons on this in Matthew. In 6:3-6 and 6:16-18, He is teaching us how to do all things in sincerity. Without worrying about whose eyes are upon us-as the Pharisees did. They wanted to be seen by men. Revered. Respected. Admired and praised. Not so for us! Peek over at Matthew 5:14-16:

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV84)

Whoa!! Do these two chapters contradict? NO!! It is always a HEART issue with Jesus. The 'religious elite' did what they did to be seen by others-NOT out of love and respect for God. Here He is telling us WHY we should do what we do. To bring glory to GOD. So others will see Jesus in us. To use the gifts and talents He has given us to magnify and point to Him.

Can I always say I 'do what I do' just for God? No, and this hurts my heart. I default to the flesh more often than I like. I become 'nicer mommy' in front of others at times. I exude more patience for others than my own family sometimes. YUCK.

This verse comes to mind:
Philippians 2:14-Do everything without complaining or arguing, (NIV 84).

Here is my prayer as I was reflecting on this verse:

Lord, help me in this area. Open my eyes to the areas that I tend to seek man's approval over Yours. Help me to overcome my desire to be useful and instead to give up control to You to place me where YOU will be glorified. To realize I am only a branch-YOU are the vine. That I need my roots grown down deep in You and that only You, the Living Water, will cause them to grow and be strong. May the talents and gifts You have given me always be used with sincerity and respect and may they always point to You alone Father. In Jesus name, Amen.

Bless you ladies as we Let. It. Go. together,
Jennifer Newsom
OBS Leadership Team