Day 29: Working Hard at Tasks God Gives You
As a word nerd, I’ve always been fascinated by idioms. Everything from “beating around the bush” when you’re avoiding a topic to telling someone to “break a leg!” before a big performance. My southern family members will often exclaim, “That dog don’t hunt!” when they disagree. I’m still not quite sure what that one means.
Idioms are often rooted in cultural norms and are very specific to certain cultural experiences. Jesus used many of these, since he grew up and taught in a specific context. He taught from experiences his audience knew, like in Matthew 5:38-42. In his most famous sermon, Jesus talks about “going the extra mile.” In his time, Rome ruled the day. Roman soldiers would often force citizens to carry their gear for them for a mile on the road while they traveled, and citizens were expected to do so. Most everyone Jesus was speaking to detested this demeaning practice. Yet, here comes Jesus—the revolutionary—saying “if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” This would have baffled his audience.
I think the Lord calls us to “go the extra mile” wherever we possibly can. Hard work and effort honors God when our heart is in a place of worship. We might not think of studiousness or diligence as spiritual disciplines, but our work ethic and attitude reflect Christ’s servant-leadership. In Colossians 3: 23-24, Paul writes: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Read Matthew 5:38-48
Question to Consider:
Make a list of all the tasks you need to do today. How can you go the extra mile to honor the Lord through these tasks?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be diligent in the work you have set before me. I want to honor you and serve you in my work.
By Abigail Stovall