This is always a good question for me no matter the time of day. Christians are given the tasks of reaching the lost with the good news of Jesus Christ and building Godly relationships with each other. In addition, our own personal spiritual development, family, work and health are just a few things that need attending to.
In the jumble of trying to balance life, sin attempts to limit our progress. While we are no longer slaves to sin, we still have to battle the flesh and when we are tired, discouraged or uncertain about the results of our efforts, sin can creep in and try to derail the tasks meant to honor God. Sometimes we complain. Sometimes we try to impress. Sometimes we act too quickly.
It’s a good thing God gives us an example of how we are to approach our daily tasks.
“Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.” – Ephesians 6:5-9
This verse speaks to how employees are to relate with their bosses. It also demonstrates how a boss should relate to their employees. In verse 6, it speaks to the motivation.
Pleasing the Lord is the key to any task we do. 1st Corinthians 10:31 says,
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Keeping these verses in mind as we approach, manage and complete our day is certain to keep our focus on the real reason behind our tasks. If our focus remains on bringing glory to God, sin will not have room to root around in our motivations.
Try asking yourself what your motivation is today. The day is full of opportunities to bring glory to God.
I love this, Chris. Thanks. I have found that, although serving God brings great fulfillment, the real motivation lies deeper: “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11).
We serve God for us, not for Him. Sometimes a realignment of attitude and motive is all we need, isn’t it? We aren’t serving God for our fulfillment, but for His glory. Our fulfillment is a byproduct of the correct motive. Thanks again.
Wayne,
Thanks for sharing what you’ve found to be true. Constant realigning of attitude and motive appear to be a very active part of our faith and another gift God allows us to enjoy. We appreciate you reading and participating on BTC!
Thanks Wayne! Great statement in that our satisfaction comes from serving the Lord!