One & the Same

I think one of the most harmful areas of deception Satan has worked out in our culture is separating life from ministry, sometimes making us feel stuck in our “normal routine/job/responsibilities” when we wish we were “serving God better” as a missionary or other such job.

When God says that whether we eat or drink or whatever we do to give Him the glory (1 Corninthians 10:31)… this speaks to the fact that these 2 things were never meant to be 2 separate ideas. Life & ministry are meant to be one & the same.

EVERYTHING we do, say, or spend our time on should reflect our Almighty God’s glory. Now, this of course is not at all possible WITHOUT bowing our every natural response, thought, etc. to God for help.

It Sounds More Christian-y

It’s always been easy for me to fall for the deception… to try to separate the rest of life from ministry, wanting so badly for the latter that I miss the whole point.

I don’t need to be a missionary, a woman’s ministry leader, a pastor’s wife, a famous author or speaker in order to be in ministry. My life should be my ministry.

Oftentimes, it can be easy to live through the day-to-day routine & responsibilities… or a job that doesn’t relate to ministry in any way… & think to myself, “how can I make any difference here? How does this life honor God or do anything good for God?”

To help illustrate how false of an assumption this is that we “need more Christian-y jobs to better honor God,” I once heard a pastor talk about how God needs us everywhere, not just behind the pulpit, because the mission field is out around us every day.

Whether at the office or at home, God needs people willing to be a light for His glory & grace. The truth is, whether I am interacting with my husband, or neighbors, or someone at the grocery store… everything I do should reflect Him & point to Him as my one true source of HOPE. It’s displayed in how I live, how I submit to the Holy Spirit in any given moment every day rather than my natural gut response.

A Christian-y Job Does Not Guarantee That We Best Glorify God

We also must not be fooled into thinking that by choosing to work in that ministry profession that it means we will automatically be giving God the most glory.

Some may feel the pressure, whether through guilt or in understanding their undeserving, to try to make up for it by “giving it all up for God.” And while, yes, we ought to be willing to give up anything at God’s leading (because He ALWAYS knows best), this sort of sacrifice in & of itself does not earn you anything with God… because His grace is given freely already.

Be careful that you don’t misunderstand the fact that anywhere God places you is exactly where you can give Him the most glory. Be willing to bow to HIS lead.

Work As Unto the LORD

Whether you’re folding piles of laundry, parenting kids all day long, clocking in at an office job, keeping the house clean as a house-wife to lower the stress at home for your husband… whatever you’re doing that may seem mundane & meaningless, it can be used to give God the glory.

You’re not just serving your boss, your husband, or your kids… you’re serving God. And trying to have a more “Christian-y” job or not, you can serve God wherever you are.

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

God Sees & God Knows

Maybe you feel you’re in a thankless ministry, whether it be kids who constantly take you for granted, whether it be a husband who doesn’t seem to appreciate the clean house when he comes home, whether it be a boss who seems to think you’re invisible….

Even if you feel like nothing you do has ANY impact. And you DREAM of being in a position where you feel you can “better” serve God… let me comfort your heart right now by reminding you that God sees. God knows. God is pleased.

Maybe it’s late nights & endless diaper changes. Maybe it’s preparing meals. Maybe it’s purposefully being an encouragement to those around you at the office or at home. A listening ear, a kind word, a hug. Striving to have integrity & be a diligent worker & do your best even it seems like no one sees.

God sees. God knows. And it honors & pleases Him.

“Christian-y Dreams”–Our Desires Wrapped in “Righteousness”

Have you ever felt the desperate feeling that in order to honor God, you have to do something more “Christian-y” or “impactful for God”? Don’t fall for that lie. God can use your life for His glory JUST where you ARE.

All we do ought to aim to please Him & honor Him & glorify Him. All FOR Him, all THROUGH Him. Even in the mundane, even in the under-appreciated, even when we feel invisible. Work as unto Him, for Him, through Him.

Shine HOPE by doing all you do for Him, “Christian-y job” or not.

Coming Next Week

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As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

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Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Love Blooms Tote (INDIA)

Limited Edition – while supplies last! Share a message of LOVE everywhere you go with this reusable, 100% cotton canvas Love Blooms Market Tote! Handcrafted by women with disabilities in India, the front of this natural tan and blue carry-all is screen printed with the word L-O-V-E in sign language, accented with botanical designs and our Trades of Hope logo.

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SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

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Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!