Working for God

I was recently preparing for some friends coming round with their children for a morning of coffee and fun. We have these get-togethers most weeks, taking turns in hosting the events and providing the coffee and snacks. However, this week was different for me. I was doing the usual cleaning and vacuuming in preparation when I found my thoughts fixated on what one of my friends would think of my house. This particular friend has an exceptionally clean, well organised and tidy house, even with two young children!

As I was going about my work, I found myself comparing my home to that of my friend and felt the burden of this comparison weighing on me. As I was vacuuming, God spoke so clearly to me: “Are you doing this for your friend or for me?”

I was stunned! Two things occurred to me. Firstly, I was challenged in my heart; I was putting man’s opinion above God’s opinion of me and what I do. My motivation for fulfilling my daily routine of life had changed from honouring God through blessing my family with a clean and tidy home to fearing what man may think of my best but seemingly ‘not up to scratch’ efforts.

Secondly and most amazingly, God was interested in my cleaning! This is what I do, day in day out, without even really thinking about it. Life does not get any more routine than the daily chores of housework and yet, Almighty God is interested in every little bit that we do. It’s easy to think God is very interested in the work I do for Ellel Ministries – after all, surely that is spiritual work. This scripture reminds us that, in God, there is no ‘spiritual’ and ‘non-spiritual’ – only right and wrong motivation of the heart.

Whether I am cleaning, teaching, ministering, playing with my son, responding to emails, cooking or taking a short break; it should all be motivated by my love for God and focussed on honouring Him. If I’m seeking to be a true worshipper of God, this is how I do it. It’s through doing each and every thing I do, for Him. By comparing myself with others and searching for man’s acceptance, I cease to serve God with my whole heart and that’s something that grieves me.

Prayer: Father God, I confess that I put man’s opinion above Yours sometimes. I have believed that some of what I do is unimportant to you and have therefore left You out of areas of my life. Help me today to start doing everything for You so that I can honour You with my whole life. Amen.