God's Work for You

One of my favorite go-to verses recently has been Galatians 6:4.

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct."

When I'm not paying attention to the "here and now" of my own work that God has laid out for me, the only other option I can think of is to start focusing on other peoples' work. I begin comparing myself to others. Here is a silly example, but hopefully it makes my point. As a Christian, when I see someone who frequently posts bible verses on Facebook, sometimes I'm tempted to compare my spiritual walk with whoever is doing that and feel inferior to them. I don't know if anyone else thinks that way sometimes, but it happens whenever I'm not paying attention to God and the work He has for me. Instead of being encouraged by their well-intention post, I feel guilty for not posting anything lately and begin my quest for the bible verse of all bible verses to post so people can see how spiritual I am! Ridiculous, I know. But hey, if it get's a lot of likes, then that's all that matters. Just kidding.

The hard truth is: I am responsible for my conduct and mine alone. God has awesome plans for me and wants to use my life for His glory, but many times I take my eyes off of the present work He has called me to do. I stop pushing my plow and look around at what other people are doing. But that is like trying to compare pushing a plow to scattering the seeds, like comparing the landscaper who designs a garden to the gardener who maintains it. I compare myself to my brothers and sisters in Christ, and as a result I become discouraged instead of rejoicing with them. 

God has a unique plan for all of us. Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which he prepared for us long ago."

We are individual masterpieces that He somehow weaves together to tell a grand story of redemption and grace. It is not a competition. We need each other. We're in this as a team, as one body. As the students from High School Musical once sang, "We're all in this together!" Each of us is highly valued by our Maker. Our roles are different and in different measures. So there is no point in comparison. 

So what is God's work for you? What is He calling you to do? What has He made you passionate about or gifted you in? Maybe you've never even asked Him or don't even believe in Him. Regardless of where you are, the truth is that He has made you unique and special. You are highly valuable to Him because He took delicate time to design every part of your personality and being that makes you...you. He loves that you, and you don't have to dress to impress Him. 

When I was 16 years old, I surrendered my life to God and believed He was calling me to do ministry. I told Him "Whatever, Wherever, Whenever. My life for the Gospel." Four years later, God has me as a college student studying to be an accountant! Who would have thought? I found that I really like what I'm studying. It just makes sense to me and it is a very valuable degree, so I decided to just go for it. I don't know what my next step in life is right now but I know God will guide me to where I need to go next. What I'm doing now may not be a glamorous or seemingly spiritual assignment as maybe being a full-time missionary overseas, but like I said before, it doesn't make sense to compare the two. God has been setting me free from the vices of peoples' opinions and acceptance. He has shown me that none of that matters, but only doing what God has called me personally to do. Let's take a look at what Jesus said to his disciples one time.

 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” (John 4:34-38, NLT)

God has a purpose for you. When you're doing what he made you to do, like Jesus said, it nourishes you and joy awaits you. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of being a people pleaser. I'm thirsty to really know God, and will not be satisfied with the misty spray of praise from the world, which may feel good on the outside but doesn't satisfy deep down. That thirst can only be quenched by the waterfall of God's presence. If you want to know what God's made you to do, spend time with Him through prayer and reading the Bible. When you get to know you Maker, He will show you your Mission.
 

Whatever your work is right now, pay careful attention to it, then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

-Marc