Ladies Corner
There Is Still Work To Be Done
It was a typical day in our home as I told my four year old son to put away his toys while I finished supper. I was pleased when I heard, “Yes, ma’am,” and watched him quickly begin carrying his toys from the family room to his bedroom. However, only a few minutes passed when I noticed he had not made another trip to gather the rest of his toys. Just as I expected, when I peeked into his room, I found him playing with the toys he had just carried upstairs. I immediately encouraged him saying, “Do not become distracted. There is still work to be done.” Before I completed my words, I began thinking of the admonitions in God’s word that convey the same idea, only in our spiritual life.
First I wondered how many times our Lord has thought the same thing. I think of those who hear the gospel message, then, without delay, repent of their sins and are baptized into Christ, putting to death the sinful practices that once controlled them. I know that God is very pleased when He watches someone eagerly and quickly obey His commands.
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” ~1 Timothy 2:3-4
“Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” ~Luke 15:10
But how quickly does that same person, who began with an evident eagerness to please the Lord, become distracted by the things of this world? I am afraid that far too often we let everyday life distract us from the work that God expects us to be doing. To be a true disciple of Christ, not only must we begin to build our life upon Him, we must be willing to finish the work as well (Luke 14:25-33). Therefore, I am thankful that our Creator, in His infinite wisdom, knows our need of constant encouragement to stay focused on doing the work He has given us to do.
One way the Lord has encouraged us to avoid distraction is found in the book of Luke. A perfect example for us women is the account of Mary and Martha. In this account, we discover that Martha was distracted with the worries that can come with serving guests in our home, while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to His word. Although we are hard on Martha because we know that spiritual nourishment is much more important than physical needs, in our eagerness to serve it is easy for us to become distracted by physical things as well. We should listen very carefully to the encouragement Jesus gives Martha and apply it to our own lives.
“And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” ~Luke 10:41-42
In our effort to fulfill our duties, we must keep our focus on the “good part” which is the word of the Lord. Mary chose to listen to the words of the Lord. Do we choose to spend time in God’s word daily, allowing Him to give spiritual nourishment, or are we distracted by our physical needs? We cannot possibly complete the work God has entrusted to us if we do not take the time to listen to His word!
Another encouraging passage that came to mind is Galatians 6:8-9:
“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
When we feed our spirit with the word of God and work diligently, we will reap spiritual benefits, including everlasting life. However, if we lose heart, if we grow weary in our work, if we allow the cares of this world to turn our focus away from consistent labor, if we are enticed by a temporary rest, we will lose the much greater eternal rest promised by our Heavenly Father (Hebrews 4:1-13).
When we look around, it becomes clear that many people have allowed cares of the world to distract them from seeking God. This should motivate us to work more intently at our job of spreading the gospel, for we see there is still work to be done. If we are not laboring for the sake of the gospel, we too are guilty of becoming distracted. It is interesting to read the passage Paul wrote to the Philippians and wonder if he would be able to write the same about us.
“And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.” ~Philippians 4:3
So, are we women who are laboring in the gospel? Are we fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life? As I strive to train my children to make choices that will be pleasing to the Lord, I am constantly amazed at the opportunities for my learning as well. Thinking back to that moment, even now, I know it would have done us both well, as he went back to picking up toys and I back to serving supper, to sing a favorite, encouraging hymn, “We’ll work till Jesus comes, we’ll work till Jesus comes, we’ll work till Jesus comes, and we’ll be gathered home.”
