The following is written by Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. and was published in the September 2006 copy of Tabletalk magazine.
It has been said that any given job can be done with two of three qualities. It can be done quickly and cheaply, but not well. It can be done quickly and well, but not cheaply. It can be done cheaply and well, but not quickly. We have, as a culture, chosen quickly and cheaply. And having chosen thus, we find ourselves diminished, for we find that we like it that way. We find that we are not merely willing to accept mediocrity, but that we crave it.
The Bible offers a different call. We are to do our work as unto the Lord. We should be known by the world around us as the most diligent of laborers and craftsmen.
When I die, I know those who know me will not be saying the following things (if they are being truthful),
She was the most loving person of all.
She was the best cook!
She was the best homemaker Ive ever seen.
She was the most creative
the most organized
. the most patient
Or any of the other qualities I would love to be Christ-like in. But I do hope it can be unanimously said, she was always striving. I never want to settle for mediocre. I do not want to sit back and say oh, well while my heart is still beating. I want to instead do my work as unto the Lord, which means it will always need improvement this side of heaven.
My motive should never be to earn anything, but instead my striving should be out of an overflow of gratitude because of all that Ive received --thou I deserve nothing. Gratitude because I know from what I have been saved. I know how things would/could be if I did not have the Lord to do all things unto.
This is the cry of my heart as a reforming mama. I want to look at all I do, say and produce and evaluate it against Gods Word. Never settling, but always changing what needs to be changed, moving only closer to what Gods Word has called me.
Today, I need to look at my discipline, my example, and my attitudes with the kids. (I had a hard day with these things yesterday) What does Gods Word say? Where am I falling short? What needs to be improved? I plan to lay my shortcomings at the feet of my Lord. Asking for help and wisdom (thankful that He promises to give it). Asking the God of all creation to make my work more than mediocre for His glory.
~Amy
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