I was reading the following devotional from Elisabeth Elliot and it really made me think about my attitude toward things I don't want to do, but that God has placed in my life to do.
I'm copying it here for y'all to read because I think the website changes daily and I can't find where there is an archive of past devotions. With no infringement intended, I am linking back to the original post below.
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Elisabeth Elliot's Daily Devotional
Title: How to Do the Job You Don't Really Want To Do
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Certain aspects of the job the Lord has given me to do are very easy to postpone. I make excuses, find other things that take precedence, and, when I finally get down to business to do it, it is not always with much grace. A new perspective has helped me recently:
The job has been given to me to do.
Therefore it is a gift.
Therefore it is a privilege.
Therefore it is an offering I may make to God.
Therefore it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him.
Therefore it is the route to sanctity.
Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God's way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness. The discipline of this job is, in fact, the chisel God has chosen to shape me with--into the image of Christ.
Thank you, Lord, for the work You have assigned me. I take it as your gift; I offer it back to you. With your help I will do it gladly, faithfully, and I will trust You to make me holy.
Daily devotions courtesy of Devotions.org, a ministry of Back to the Bible.
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I'm sure I'm not the only one who can relate to the devotional above. Let's face it. Sometimes the Lord calls us to do things we just plain don't want to do. But just because we don't want to do it, doesn't mean we should have a bad attitude.
Scripture is pretty clear...
~ Colossians 3:23-24 ~
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
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And I like what she said about the discipline of the job being the chisel God uses to shape me/us into the image of Christ!
Clay in the Potter's hands, so to speak.
So here's to each of us having a right attitude, a willing heart, open hands, and a moldable character to become who we are meant to be.
Can we do this?
Yes, we can!
How?
That's how.
Have a blessed Sabbath day!
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I can do all things through Him. That gives me courage to do more and to try more.
ReplyDeleteHi Terra, Knowing that the Lord is my strength gives me courage to try many things, but of course only if they are in His will :) Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
DeleteElizabeth Elliot never fails to tell it like it is! So glad I popped in from Janis' link!
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth, Isn't Elizabeth Elliot wonderful? I love how she is gentle and encouraging, and just exudes Jesus! Have a great week!
DeleteElisabeth Elliot has been a wonderful mentor to me ~ important in my life ~ growth and "do the next thing" ~ http://www.simplyjesusministries.com/thoughts/words-of-wisdom-from-elizabeth-elliot-do-the-next-thing http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Gateway-to-Joy/Do-the-Next-Thing.html underneath are the everlasting arms... Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen, That's beautiful that she has been a mentor to you! I sure appreciate how supportive and Christ-like you are to me. You are passing on a legacy of mentorship :) Wishing you a very full and blessed week, my friend!
Delete"Therefore it is an offering I may make to God." MAY is the key word for me in this piece. I have a choice and the choice, if I belong to God, and want to stay close, is to offer my service in whatever way He wants me to give. May I, LORD, please You in all ways.
ReplyDeleteWe sure do have a choice as to our attitude when we do something. It is good to be reminded to do it as unto the Lord and please Him. Thanks for coming by and commenting.
DeleteDropping in from Sunday Stillness, just too busy to get round the list before today. Then I read this and well I'm challenged again about procrastinating in things where I should be a blessing. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra, Thanks for stopping by today. I think we all procrastinate at times but the important thing is realizing it and doing something about it. Just seeing another comment was a blessing to me this morning! Sometimes, when I don't see any comments on a post, or very few, I wonder why I even blog but then I have to remind myself that I want to share my love of photography, good books, and the Lord with others. HE is the one I want to focus on, not how many comments are left! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
DeleteWithout His strength...we are as weak as a newborn babe. mari
ReplyDeleteHi Mari, Thanks fro visiting and leaving a comment. We are weak but He is strong!
DeleteOh my dear friend, bless you for sharing this post at Roses of Inspiration. I love what you said, "So here's to each of us having a right attitude, a willing heart, open hands, and a moldable character to become who we are meant to be."
ReplyDeleteThrough the power of Jesus Christ and His strength we CAN become who we are meant to be. Thank you so much, Anne! Love and hugs to you!
Thank you for starting this new link up. I don't promise I'll be there every week but I sure will be when I can :) Lovely ladies posting such wonderful and encouraging words & ideas.
DeleteI love this post! So well said and so meaningful. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi AnnMarie, Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment. I appreciate the time it takes to stop by and say Hi. I'm glad you enjoyed the post!
DeleteLovely post and so very meaningful.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I'm happy you enjoyed it. Have a blessed day!
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