Thursday, March 30, 2017

WHATEVER YOU DO ...


My mother was born with artsy-crafty genetics on steroids. No object is safe from her bedazzling, sewing, or painting talent. Numerous attempts were made by both of us to activate my own gene, but it soon became apparent that mine was dead on arrival. It also became apparent that, as a teenager, I needed, what’s the word ... oh yeah, motivation! I had a tendency to do things halfway. If at all. I believe the biblical definition is “sluggard.”
This was probably mom’s motivation decades ago in presenting me with her wee painted rock emblazoned with “do it right.” She figured I’d carry it with me for the rest of my life and become encouraged to be sluggardly no longer. I have indeed carried it with me. Sad to say, the admonition to do things completely and correctly didn’t kick in until a few decades later. 
I’ve recently noticed several t.v. commercials pushing the idea that doing things halfway is never a good idea. I suspect the marketing directors’ moms were behind this. Offering a rain-drenched person half an umbrella, or painting only half the house, is rather obvious slothfulness. Diagnosing a problem, but not fixing it, such as a dentist telling a patient that he has a really bad cavity, then walking away, is downright cruel. Or telling homeowners that their house is infested with termites, but too bad, you’re on their own! The lesson is that people must be willing to do things completely, to do things right!
Mom’s desire that I not be a sluggard finally found its way into me via Scripture. Once the Lord saved me, I found it very comforting to know that Jesus was never a sluggard, that He didn’t have to be prodded and reminded by His Father “to finish the work” given Him (John 4:34). He didn't just diagnose our sinfulness, and then tell us, "you're outta luck, bye-bye!"  On the cross, when He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30), His work was complete and it was right. Salvation was secured at that moment, to God’s glory.
My Jesus, how I thank You that You set Your face to do what You came to do. In Scripture, and by Your eternal life, You are an example for me. I’ve learned that whatever my hand finds to do, I’m to do it with all my might; that whatever I do, do my work heartily, as for the Lord; and that I not be lacking in diligence, serving You (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:23; Romans 12:11). I praise and thank You, that everything You do throughout all eternity is right.

9 comments:

  1. When I saw the title of this post, I was thinking of the verse that says "do all things as unto the Lord" :)

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  2. Haha, this is a great post. It kept me amused, and I loved how honest you were about yourself in it as well.

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  3. I love how you wrote this post! It was entertaining while teaching an important point. I think it's also important for us to note that doing things completely and doing things quickly are two totally different things. Jesus did bring His perfect work to completion, but look at all He did excellently between His birth and completing the task ahead of Him!

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  4. This is the second post today I read about the sluggard! Ouch! Maybe, God is trying to get my attention. The fact is there is a project I need to finish and I keep putting it off. God is convicting me and I need to get back at it and finish! Thanks for being so authentic. It is nice to have real conversation! Blessings!

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    1. Isn't it funny how He gets the point across by repeated blog-bashing upside our heads?

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  5. Oh I'm the queen of half efforts and procrastination. The Lord has convicted me of both and is teaching me to seize the day and live whole heartedly. Thanks so much for the exhortation! I needed the reminder.

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  6. I figure my "gift" is being convicted/encouraged by the Lord, and then dragging other people with me. :)

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  7. I love artsy craftsy stuff. I think it's great that something your mom made you has stuck with you over the years and you are realizing it's full potential years later.

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