Recently I talked with one of our daughters about developing the proper attitude toward work. (Not that our children ever struggle with having a joyful spirit while doing their household chores. Ahem.) I asked her to think about whether her reaction might be different if it were Jesus asking her to accomplish those tasks.
Matthew 25:40 tells us, “…Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Yet even as I discussed this with my daughter, I was convicted myself. How often am I guilty of grumpiness when someone adds dirty dishes to the kitchen sink I just emptied or tracks dirt onto my clean floor?
I Corinthians 10:31 reminds me, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Let my daughters and I learn together that whether serving family members, friends, or strangers, we are ultimately serving Christ.
We, together, are working on this very thing, Tracey! I also recently posted 1 Corinthians 10:31 in our kitchen ~ that pretty much sums up our goal! =)
The picture at the top makes me dream about living in the 1800s! While I've often fondly imagined life from that era, I also think of all the extra work they had to do back then. I'm trying to be more grateful for the electronic helpers I have today! =)
We've been learning about this lately too – both doing things to God's glory, and learning that when we do things for people, we are serving Him ultimately. Thanks for the excellent reminder. 🙂
Katie,
I took that photo while on a school field trip in downtown Charleston with my eight-year-old daughter this past spring. That was the kitchen house, located behind one of the fancy homes, and it was arranged similarly to how it would have been in the 1800s. You're right – it's amazing to think how much longer their daily chores must have taken without the machines that I often take for granted!
So true!! When I was younger, my pastor reminded me that Jesus could see me at all times – no matter how hard I tried to hide. That really stuck with me! Now I pray my way through chores by intentionally thanking Him for the abounding blessings that I have!
Reminders like these are so helpful in helping me keep my focus where it needs to be. I remind my girls and more often myself of Colossians 3:23 "whatever you do, work heartily, as for the LORD and not men."