A Job Well Done
by Tanya Person
How often we’re tempted to compare ourselves to others. We might compare our looks, or our abilities. Sometimes we see things in others that make us feel better about ourselves. Unfortunately, this means that we’re putting others down, rather than building them up.
Other times, maybe more often, we compare ourselves and see ourselves in an unfavourable light. We think that we’re not as attractive or talented as another, and we put ourselves down. Either way, when we compare ourselves to others, we’re not seeing ourselves as God sees us.
According to our scripture today, if we pay attention to our own work, we’ll be satisfied by the work and not feel the need to compare ourselves to others. It’s important that we do everything as unto the Lord, looking to Him for approval. As it says in Colossians 3:23-24, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving’.
I’ve found, throughout my life, that when I look at a job as something that I need to do in order to please someone, the job becomes a chore rather than a joy. But if I’m doing the job for the Lord, then it’s extremely satisfying.
Let’s choose today to put aside all comparisons and focus on our own work and work for the Lord.
Prayer: Father, help me to remember to do all my work for You. Forgive me for the times that I’ve compared myself to others. Let me be an encouragement to those around me. Amen.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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