When my head hit the pillow last night, I prayed for God to speak to me and through me, and to reveal insight into the next Wise Saying. After praying, I grabbed my phone and went ahead and read the verse from the Bible app, and became motivated for the next day.
My mind would list tasks I wanted and needed to get accomplished. I was inspired by knowing that in whatever I do I would do for the glory of God.
Three extra verses popped into my head that I believe coincide with Wise Saying #6 wonderfully, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Here’s Wise Saying #5, Proverbs 22:29 , in five different translations:
Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people. NLT
Skilled workers will always serve kings. They will never have to work for less important people. ERV
Do you see a man skillful and experienced in his work? He will stand [in honor] before kings; He will not stand before obscure men. AMP
Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. NIV
If you are uniquely gifted in your work, you will rise and be promoted. You won’t be held back— you’ll stand before kings. TPT
Confession time: yesterday afternoon, I did not use my time wisely. Some may call it an afternoon of resting, others may call me out and say that I had an afternoon of slothfulness or laziness. I could agree on both allegations, yet…unfortunately, right now, I’ll have to agree with the latter opinion. There was no reason, for my idleness. Although I was reflective and pondered on the word “perspective” a LOT, but physically…I was just plain ole passive. (The photo above is an example of how I spent a portion of my day…in a tree stand, with a camera, capturing moments from a different perspective. I could have stayed all day.)
Being lackadaisical isn’t an adjective I don’t want to be associated with. Maybe God was setting the stage for me to be encouraged by today’s bible verse. Okay, I’m going with that. Let’s go God! Let’s get this day started and bring glory to you in ALL I do!
The three other bible verses that came to my mind are:
- A lazy life is an empty life, but “early to rise” gets the job done. Proverbs 12:27 MSG
- Lazy people don’t get what they want, but riches come to those who work hard. Proverbs 12:27 ERV
- So if you eat, or if you drink, or if you do anything, do it for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 ERV
- So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
- Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
- In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master. Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, who will give you what he promised his people. Yes, you are serving Christ. He is your real Master. Colossians 3:23-24 ERV
God is clear on what He thinks about laziness and working diligently (see a links below for more scripture.). There are a plethora of verses which will give you incentive to work hard at whatever you do.
https://www.openbible.info/topics/being_lazy
https://www.openbible.info/topics/working_hard
I searched for an article regarding working diligently. While reading this article from Forbes, my husband (Tim) came to my mind. He is an efficient and effective worker at work and at home.
The author of this article illustrates four ways diligence can make your work easier and more rewarding: 1) increased creativity, 2) an expanded point of view, 3) a sense of pride, and 4) satisfaction in relationships.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2017/10/30/four-ways-diligence-can-make-your-work-easier-and-more-rewarding/#3c57fb062d4e
Dear one, I want you to know that God has uniquely gifted you in certain areas of your life. Pray for and find your niche. Be the best you can be at whatever you do. Bring glory to God in all of your endeavors. He is The King you are working for.
I pray that even on your occasional lackadaisical days, you seek God, and get inspired for your next task set before you. Whether you are the CEO of your household or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, work diligently, with a purpose, and be a godly example to others.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
