This week in Bible study we studied Jesus as King and Lord. When we submit to His authority and power in our lives, it opens the door for Him to intervene in our every day lives. But submission is the key; it means giving up our own will, pride, desires for what He wants for us and through us.

Interestingly, today in my quiet time, I came upon a chapter on being lazy. It doesn’t mean that I don’t go and go, the way we all do, but it caused me to look at where I spend my energy, my time and my talents. “Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise” (Prov 6:6). The ant is diligent, which means not only working hard, but also doing her work with enthusiasm. 

Our attitude in our work should reflect God’s nature. Charles Swindoll said: “We have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. Nor can we change the fact that people will act in a certain way. The only thing that we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.”

It’s quite possible to work with a sour attitude, even while getting everything done. But a sour attitude does not honor God. Reading through Ecclesiastes chapter 9 reminded me that my own toils (in my own prideful power) in the end will not matter. “For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him.” (Eccl 9:1)

What does matter in the end is our relationship with the Lord, and that we depend upon His power and submit to His Word. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.” (Is 40:8) Today, I’m reminded that as a bond servant to Christ, whatever I do is to reflect His glory; to point others to Him and not myself. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Col 3:23). When we look to please the Lord, praises or criticism from others becomes truly irrelevant.