For an Audience of One
by Gemma Gardner
In the verse today from Colossians, Paul has been speaking to slaves and encouraging them to work hard, not just when their masters are watching, but when nobody is seeing what they are doing. It must have felt very hard, and even unfair, for some of them, if they had harsh and ungrateful masters!
In Matthew Chapter 7, Jesus said three times that our Father, who sees in secret what we do, will reward us. The three areas Jesus spoke of were our giving, our praying, and when we fast. He said that the hypocrites had already received their reward from people, and He didn’t want His disciples to be like that. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, the apostle Paul encourages us: `Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain`.
It’s such a comfort to know that the Lord is always watching us, looking at us with eyes full of love and understanding and compassion! Maybe you feel unnoticed, hidden away in a backwater somewhere, and there’s no encouragement from another human being. Perhaps you are the only Christian in your family. Well, Jesus wants you to know you are not alone. In Colossians 3:17: Paul challenges us: `Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him`.
I am challenged as I realise that God is looking at my heart and not just what I am doing. Am I working willingly or grudgingly? What do I really want? Do I worry about what others think of me? God is our greatest friend and encourager. He is at work in us both to will and to do His good pleasure, and the more I realise what He has done for me, the more I want to love and serve Him.
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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