I recently heard a story about a dad who took his two young sons to the mall “to teach them a lesson.” Sounds imposing, doesn’t it? They made their way to a restaurant in the mall and stood at the large windows where they could see an older gentleman inside preparing to bus an empty table. He pushed a button on his watch and flew into action – clearing, cleaning, and re-setting the table for the next guest with incredible efficiency. Each movement orchestrated for maximum impact. In a blink, he pushed the button on his watch again, and was done! The table was sparkling clean and beautifully set for the next guest. The crowd that had gathered erupted into cheers and applause. A big grin spread across his face and he was off to attack the next table with the same vigor.
Dad’s lesson for his precious boys: Whatever you set your hands to, do it with diligence. Do it unto the Lord.
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.
Colossians 3:23-24
It doesn’t really matter what the Lord entrusts to us. It is our responsibility – our honor – to steward it well. The gentleman who bussed that table did it with one thing in mind….complete the job with excellence. He challenged himself and became increasingly efficient with each table. His goal was focused on the job at hand, not the applause. Yet, because he had faithfully done this for a while, people began to notice and then they began to cheer him on!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2a
Yes, we are surrounded by those cheering us on. And chief among them is our Father! He sees your faithfulness to the assignment he has given you and is pleased. Some days it may seem menial. Other days the Kingdom impact might be more obvious. Your faithful obedience to him day after day is blessing his Beloved, drawing in the wandering, refreshing the weary, and bringing him glory. He sees you. He loves you. And he wants you to know…
You are adored.
You Are Adored 