Hey, Chicas! Erin asked me to tackle some of your questions since I’m an “NBM” like you (a “Never Been Married”). Some of you are asking questions like, “Is college okay?” “Is having a job at all okay?” Ummm . . . Absolutely! But, here’s the catch. Whether we’re processing important documents at our desk or cleaning up after our children and husbands, we need to understand our ultimate purpose. One of your comments especially caught my eye: "I want to have a job, a job that makes me look good." I understand. Really, I do. But do you know that there’s something vastly better to seek after than your own attention, fulfillment, and affirmation? Do me a fave and read these verses carefully: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). Whatever we do—whether we’re picking up trash on the side of the road; cleaning a toilet; providing relief to a sick patient; or designing clothes—we can do it for God’s glory rather than for our own glory! In fact, that’s exactly why we were created. We may submit to and serve a direct supervisor at work or a husband at home—but ultimately, we’re serving Jesus through our words and actions (Talk about raising the stakes!). Here are a few questions to help you discover who you’re currently serving and glorifying:
- Do I work harder when others are around?
- Would I do what I do with as much gusto if no one was watching?
- Am I disappointed or even bitter when I’m not praised for what I do?
- Do I give God credit regularly for the talents and strength He’s given me? Or do I not even think to thank Him when others praise me?
Oh, Father, You are only One who is good and worthy of praise. Impress us with this. Help us—whether we’re in a flashy environment, or whether no one sees what we do—to live in a way that’s worthy of the One True God. Let us show others Your beauty through our lives and our work. Because of Jesus, who gave all for us, Amen.