Proverbs 16:3 (CEB)

Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will succeed.

Reflection

Probably everyone has complained about needing to complete some job or work before: “Oh, I have to… (fill in the chore you hate doing).” 

The wonder of the book of Proverbs is finding God’s simple truths through such pithy statements, like this one about committing our works to the Lord. I think of the monk, Brother Lawrence, who lived a monastic life in Paris, France during the 1600’s. Brother Lawrence was known for his spiritual practices of joyfully connecting to God through even the most mundane tasks. Whether he was washing a pot or repairing someone’s sandals, Lawrence delighted in the chance to love and serve God.

Brother Lawrence wrote, “it is not the greatness of work which matters to God, but the love with which it is done.” These words remind us that even through the tiniest of tasks –we can truly reflect the love of God in all that we do! Instead of seeing our work as a chore, we know that we will find success when we commit our lives to this example, just as Jesus did.

By Barbara Carlson

For Pondering & Prayer

It is easy to complain about our chores and to forget that these can also become part of our spiritual practice. However, the simple words of Proverbs and Brother Lawrence remind us that we need to “commit all our work to the Lord.” It is works that are committed to the Lord that produce success.

Another version of this scripture says that works committed for the Lord “will be established.” What special work does God need to establish through Medford UMC? Is there some plan in your heart that God needs your help to be successful? Talk to our pastors, or share your ideas with me at: [email protected].

Prayer: Loving God, how easy is it for us to forget to complete our tasks with a loving heart for you and for those who we serve. We humbly ask that we learn to help with servants’ hearts and hands, as Jesus did. Lord, help us to live out our daily lives grounded in joy and seeking love, that we might sow these gifts in all that we do. Amen.