That's my JOB

Luke 17:9-10 (NLT) "And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say "We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty."

Recently I was taken out of a leadership position and to be honest it really bothered me. And as I was talking to my sister about it, she asked me "did you want to do it?" As I thought about it, I really didn't have desire to do it. I mean I was ok if I did and ok if I didn't (so I thought). When I thought even deeper about it, I realized that I was really only doing it for two reasons, (1) because of the stipend and (2) because of the title. And even though I would not admit it, God knew my heart. I was not doing it to truly serve. I like when people come to me, when people need me, to be apart of something. But the truth of the matter is, that is not a true servant. That is not the command that Christ gave to us. 

As a mother and wife it is my JOB to take care of my family, in that role I am God's servant. As a teacher it is my JOB to ensure that my students are prepared, in that role I am God's servant. As a student it is my JOB to do my assignments, in that role I am God's servant. As being a part of a ministry, it is my JOB to do what the ministry leaders instruct me to do, in that role I am God's servant. God commands us to serve, it is our JOB. And so I am realizing that I should not be looking for recognition or praise for doing my JOB. After all, it is my JOB. When my students say, "I did my homework" and then look for some type of reward, I gently remind them "Well that is your job". 

Several times the Bible reminds us that we should work as though we are working for the Lord, rather than man. Then will we receive our reward in heaven. So from here on out I am going to do my JOB and not complain about it.......well I'm going to try my best. 

Stay Right Here

1 Corinthians 7:4 (NLT)
"The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife."

I can recall hearing of a person I knew that was having an affair. A friend of mine commented "we better go home and love our husbands". Now I know that we (wives) can do all the right things and love him in all the right ways and give him authority over our bodies, and sometimes he still strays. But I for one must admit that I could love my husband more, and more than that allow him to love me more. There are so many things that consume my mind and time as a wife and a mom, but I have to let him know.....stay right here. With so many different ways to access sex out side of the marriage (porn, prostitutes, women who are ready and wiling to "do what you won't do") our job as wives is to let our husbands know to stay right here......going elsewhere isn't necessary.