The Upper Room devotional reflection for Monday, April 25, 2022 comes to us from Jo Davis of Missouri
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, 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. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. Colossians 3:18-25
“Working to Honor God”
When I was 13, I went to live with my aunt and uncle on their farm. One of my daily tasks was to strap a long burlap sack across my body and pick corn until the sack was full and heavy. Then while Aunt Elsie made supper, I sat on a stool in the kitchen, shucking and dividing the corn – some for the pigs, some for us, and some to give away. After sorting, I hauled the pigs corn out and threw it over the fence to them. I would much rather have been with my friends – swimming, going to the movies, having fun.
Every evening before bedtime, Aunt Elsie read the Bible out loud. One evening as she read Colossians 3, the words in today’s quoted verse sank in. I went to bed ashamed for resenting the farm work. My relatives were generous and loving. They took me in without knowing me well. They didn’t order me to do chores; they asked. The honored the Lord with their work. I had began helping them out of boredom but ended up helping out of love. Instead of resenting the chores, I grew to love both the work and the animals. I will never forget the peace and joy I experienced on that farm. My aunt and uncle left me with a gentle reminder that we honor God by dedicating whatever work we do to the Lord.
Friends –
I confess that, even working as a pastor, sometimes I get so caught up in the tasks that need to be accomplished, that I forget WHY I am doing the tasks. Jo Davis’ reflection from childhood is a poignant reminder to focus on God’s call and direction on my life.
Remembering God’s purpose in all that I do, empowers focus and calls for me to concentrate on what is most important in whatever task is before me.
--Pastor bea
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for giving us work and a purpose. Help us to do whatever you set before us with the peace and joy that only honoring you can bring. Amen.
--Jo Davis
Prayer Focus:
Farmers
Thought for the Day:
Today I will honor God in whatever I do.