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October 1, 2007

Glorifying God in the Mundane

by Shana Schutte

Have you ever thought that doing the mundane can glorify God? Have you considered that you don't have to lead the church choir, teach a women's group, or build the next multi-million dollar ministry to please the Lord?

Unfortunately, we've learned through church-preached messages of legalism, and America's money-driven celebrity culture, that those who do more, are more; that giving a cup of water in Jesus' name is not as pleasing to Him as being a Christian superstar. However, I'm convinced that God's measurement of holiness is not about dollar signs, accolades and larger-than-life ideas--it's about love.

The story of the widow's mite is a good example (Mark 12:42-44). Do you remember she gave all the money she had? No one was impressed with her gift of love, but Christ was--and that's all that matters.

I once read a story about a man who gave his sister a very small gift and God noticed it, too. The man, a high-dollar philanthropist, was also a mover and a shaker in higher education. Unexpectedly, he became ill and was dead for a few moments. At this time, Christ appeared to him in a vision to show him scenes from his life. While reviewing each scene, Christ revealed the value He placed on each of the man's actions. Surprisingly, Jesus didn't do cartwheels because the man had given away large sums of money. And He didn't say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," when He reviewed his academic achievements. Rather, it was a simple encounter the man had with his sister that pleased the Lord.

One day the man noticed that his sister was heartbroken. In an effort to comfort her, he embraced her. He didn't try to fix her problem, or give her money to visit a psychologist--he just held her tight, for a very long time.

In Christ's book, this was the man's greatest accomplishment.

Sometimes little acts of love can seem mundane and unimportant, like doing the dishes for your family, helping your husband balance the checkbook, or picking up your neighbor's dry cleaning--but God notices.

Have you tied your child's shoes lately, then looked into his eyes and said, "I'm so proud of you"? Have you held your spouse close even though it was difficult to take the time out to do so? Have you treated a single mother to dinner?

The next time you're beating yourself up because you think, I'm not doing enough for God, think of the widow and her mite, or this man and his brotherly embrace. Then smile, because God notices the little things you do.

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)

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