“…and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you…”
1 Thessalonians 4:11
I’ve noticed something as spring begins to emerge this year: many of the changes that take place during springtime are quiet.
Quite a few don’t make a sound at all.
Blossoms slowly open all along tree branches. Tulips and daffodils don bright shades of color. Grass grows taller under our feet. New calves fill the greening pastures. Life sprouts all around us.
What a life-change these silent spring workings bring to the world. In just a few week’s time, the dreary winter canvas transforms into a lush, vibrant, and colorful scene. It all seems to happen in the blink of an eye.
I hope to learn a lesson from the quietly emerging spring: to do my work with a gentle and quiet spirit, and trust that the Lord will use it for impact somewhere.
I encourage you, friend, to work hard at whatever you put your hands to, and to do it, “…with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men (Colossians 3:23).”
Washing dishes, creating spreadsheets, grading papers, rocking babies, working another night shift, planting a bed of flowers, walking with a friend, etc. Do it all for His glory.
I believe Jesus will use this kind of work, and so much more, to change the world, so please don’t underestimate the significance of your daily tasks. He can use anyone, no matter their occupation, as long as their hearts are surrendered to Him and willing to be used for His Kingdom.
You may never see the results of your labor, but believe that Jesus uses it to change the world…even if it is just one person’s world.
Press on, dear friend. Your labor will not be in vain.
More Encouragement
- The Little Things in Life
- Thriving Despite Winter Blues
- Joy in Winter
- A Prayer for Mothers | Fortitude
- 10 Bible Verses for Seasonal Depression
- In the Matter of Drudgery