Do As Unto The Lord

"When persons have learned to looked upon the daily course of their ordinary life, with its duties and troubles, however common-place, as their offering to God, and as the safest school for themselves of perfection, they will have made a very important step in the spiritual life. Another step, so simple that it is often despised, is to do everything, however ordinary, as well as it can possibly be done, for God's sake. A third is to be always pressing forward; when a mistake is made, or a fault committed, to face and admit it freely; but having asked God to supply the deficiency caused by our own infirmity, to go on steadfastly and hopefully." unquote H. L. Sidney Lear

"And whatever ye do, do it heartily as unto God and not unto men, knowing that of God ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve Christ." Colossians 3:23,24

* The attitude and motive of our heart as Wives, Mothers and Keepers of the Home is very important *

We are advised by the apostle Paul in Colossians to do all heartily as unto God and not unto men. We must realize that ALL that we do each day is to "be unto God, for we serve Christ Jesus", As stewards and caretakers of our household it is important that we fully understand and accept that God is the sole owner of EVERYTHING. We are only stewards and caretakers of what God gives us. We will never be content in our duties as a Wife, Mother and Keeper of the Home until we accept this Divine Truth. Giving up control and ownership isn't easy---therefore we need to constantly remind ourselves that it is God that owns every thing and we are working for Him. Realizing these principles of life and working in partnership with God we will do all that we do each day "heartily as unto God".

Overseeing the household in itself is no small task; with preparing healthy nutritious meals, caring for the physical appearance of the home, possibly making one's clothes, organizing purchases, and assisting our husbands with other household task. The point is that it is not what we do or how we perform our duties in the home or in the Church, the important thing is the motive of the heart. A wise woman will check her heart's motive daily, because serving others can wear a person down, if they over extend themselves or they serve from a wrong heart motive.

Day after day of performing the same routine procedures, picking up dirty socks and underwear, hanging up wet towels left lying on the floor, cleaning hair out of the sink drain, turning off lights or reshaping the toothpaste tube, etc. can seem so unproductive but when performed from an ungrateful heart they are down right burdensome. A complaining attitude is but a step away from resentment that can develop into a root of bitterness, which unrecognized can affect every member in the household; it can defile the whole house. (Hebrews 12:15)

Serving and performing your duties as a wife, mother and homemaker with a wrong heart attitude can create a smoldering fire of resentment that will, if not quenched by the Holy Spirit burst into flames of passion and harmful words. Expecting others to reward you for doing what is "a servants duty to do" can bring disappointments and frustration. Those we love do not always express their appreciation and gratitude in ways that we expect or even needed. It is vital that we understand (and accept) that all we do is "unto the LORD". He is the Rewarder and when we look to human beings for rewards in this present life, we are often disappointed or hurt. Understanding these truths will open to our hearts the teaching of the apostle Peter to wives in 1 Peter chapter 3. "...be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won, by the conversation of the wives; " The wife of an unbelieving husband can win him over by her attitude and motives of her heart......'conversation with a quiet and meek spirit'.

What is in our heart speaks loudly in how we care for our homes, our children and our husband. We show forth the law of kindness and love by fulfilling our duties in the home with the right attitude and heart motive. As difficult as it may be at times we have to leave our husband to God and trust Him. "A meek and quiet spirit is in the sight of God of great price." Follow this principle and you will find that the price you pay in remaining pure before God will be rewarded. When our eyes are on the One we are supposed to be serving, our household duties become a blessings instead of chores. When your duties begin to be chores remember that Messiah is the Head of your husband and therefore, the Head of the entire household, and that He is a fair employer who gives many fringe benefits.

Keeping these thoughts in mind will make our homemaking a joy. When our eyes are on the Savior it will be reflected in our appearance, overseeing our household, our love life, and in the services we perform in the Body of Messiah. When the motives of our heart are right, a new freedom comes to responsibilities and daily schedules and we discover a new sweetness, softness and peace and it will literally fill every part of our home.

The Heavenly Father is in back of every creation, governing all, for He is Divine Order; surely we can bring order to our small castles. Today let's choose to have the right attitude about our household duties and bring order into our lives as we "...watch over our household."

By Norma Dalton