As my husband and I raise our children, one of the things that is important to us is not only that our children obey but that they do so with the right frame of mind. As we often say, we want them to follow instructions “with a happy heart and good attitude.” This doesn’t mean that they will always fully enjoy their assignments; after all what kid likes picking up their toys or writing thank you notes? – but it does mean that even if they don’t like the task, we want them to delight in doing the work well – because they are doing it to honor their father and me – those who love them most on this Earth.
Our kids aren’t the only ones who sometimes have to be reminded of the importance of approaching their work with a heart that honors God; sometimes I need this reminder too. In the midst of doing what God has called me to – grading papers, working on writing assignments and speaking engagements, parenting my kids, and serving in my church – the growing number of assignments that fill my hours can seem to stifle the joy that I find in them. There is a temptation to approach them as a burden that needs to be carried, and a duty that must be fulfilled. However, this is not the perspective that honors God. Instead of trying to find happiness in the details of my tasks, my heart needs to concentrate on finding joy in serving the One who loves me the most, and in recognizing that it is because of His graciousness that He has entrusted me with so much work to do.
The highly-praised woman described in Proverbs 31 is instructive in this endeavor. Although she has often been acclaimed for the variety of tasks that she accomplishes and the positive impact that she has on her family, there is something else that is noteworthy about her endeavors. Proverbs 31:13 tells us that she is one who “works with willing hands.” She was doing many things, but she wasn’t doing them grudgingly or with spite. She was working hard – both within and outside her house – for the good of those that God had entrusted to her care – with hands that were eager to do the work. Her days were full – and so was her heart – because she approached her assignments with a God-honoring perspective. She was ready for the work, not only in terms of skills and resources, but also with an attitude that was eager to be used by God for His purposes.
It is easy to look at our to-do lists and our responsibilities and see only burdens and duties. But every task that we have been given, every assignment that is ours, is a stewardship that has been entrusted to us by God. “Let us not grow weary in doing good” (Gal. 6:9) but instead, with willing hands, continue to faithfully do what God has given us. As we do so, may we honor Him not only in what we accomplish, but in how we go about completing what He has assigned.
