As a stay at home mom I am always on the job, so to speak. I do not have the 40 hour work week where I can clock in at 9 and out at 5. Unfortunately, I can lose perspective that my work is not for my gratification or simply for my family but it is ultimately for God who created work. Even when I was in the “workplace” it was easy to forget on the daily basic level my work was to glorify God. As stated in the Westminster Catechism the chief end of man is to “glorify God and enjoy him forever”. Can we really do this in our daily work?
I am immensely grateful for Sovereign Grace’s message series Sanctifying the Ordinary. This is a four part series of messages where “you can learn to see the gracious presence and provision of God in the most mundane matters.”
In John Loftness’ message “A Biblical Understanding Work” he reminds us that all of creation is the workplace of God by examining Genesis 1-3. We can sanctify our work by making it place of service, place of obedience, and even a place of worship to our God…(even)in the practical daily things that we do”. While you may feel this message does not pertain to you, think again! He aptly states: “you may think you are only doing laundry, but you’re subduing the earth!” If you know me, you will know that my absolute least favorite household task is laundry. With two children and a husband there seems to be a never ending amount of laundry. Just when I think I’ve made a dent in the mounds of laundry there’s a new pile. What true and encouraging statement this is to me! I am living my calling as prescribed in Genesis by simply doing laundry. It gives new meaning to folding and putting away clothes! For you it may not be laundry. Perhaps it’s grocery shopping, answering emails, or attending a meeting. Whatever your work may be “behind all that appears ordinary is an extraordinary God.”
I encourage you to download (it’s FREE) this message. Listen to it while you clean or on your way to the office. You’ll be challenged to begin looking for God in your work and ultimately praise and glorify him for the work He has given you. I know I can use this reminder regularly and am thankful for the Biblical understanding Loftness gives to the daily part of this life.
Liz, thank you for this resource! I have been doing some reading to prepare my heart and mind for the upcoming school year. I will add this to my list!