Investing with All Your Heart

This verse is on the wall above my children’s laundry hamper. As an optimistic parent I was certain such a décor addition would ensure happy hearts while going about household responsibilities. The truth is, I need this reminder more often than I would like to admit. 

Life’s responsibilities and obligations can often feel like they are on a graded scale of importance and value; taking out the trash is not as significant as leading a meeting, after school pick up not as noble as ministering to a friend. In that sliding scale, we often match our effort level with the degree a task is valued, working harder and sacrificing more when there is an obvious benefit or certain level of praise. 

There is also a large temptation to seek appreciation and approval from others about the things we do. We want the world to acknowledge our work and be grateful for our efforts; to say thank you and good job. This verse is a gut punch reminder that whatever we do, we ultimately do it as if we are working for the Lord, so it should always be done with excellence. And it does not matter how it may or may not be valued by friends, family, or co-workers, it is the Lord we are serving. 

If we work at what we do with all our heart, thankful to God for our gifts, talents, and opportunities, we are operating from a right mindset. And when we recognize everything we do is not for man’s approval but for God, then all of it is important and all of it has value. We can fully invest in the work we do knowing regardless of how it is received God sees us and He will reward us for a job well done. 

------------ 

Lord, help me to give my best effort in everything I do as if it is just for you. Remind me when I feel frustrated by the mundane or overlooked by others, that you see me, and your approval is all I need. May everything I do bring you honor and glory.