Doing Things Right

There is a satisfaction in doing a job right. When you have put in all the hard work necessary to produce a product or service that you can be proud, of you have a sense of fulfillment. A craftsman takes pride in his work because it bears his name; a surgeon operates with the utmost skill because she knows that every surgery underscores her reputation. Believers who are committed to Christ take their work very seriously because they know that ultimately their work will be judged by God. For this reason they often go far beyond the common, acceptable standards to present their very best for God.

One of the principles of scripture is that when we do things the right way, it brings God’s blessings. Likewise, when we do things our way and not God’s way, it won’t have his blessing. Christians who love God do things God’s way so they can glorify God.

Jesus is our example of how to live this life. He lived in such a way as to glorify his father. God’s blessing rested on his son. At his baptism, the Father spoke of his approval for his son. However, God gave his ultimate approval of Jesus when he raised him from the dead. Paul penned these words to the Romans: “and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:4).

Jesus’ cold body was taken down from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. It lay in a cold, dark, damp grave for three days, and then God declared, “This is my son.” Jesus’ disciples were in a state of shock, and sadness penetrated every fiber of their beings. However, on that Easter Sunday morning, God made his ultimate declaration. That declaration was one of power because that dead body came to life. Never before had that happened, nor has it happened since. We are, however, promised that we, too, who believe in Jesus, shall be raised to life like Jesus.

When God raised Jesus from the dead, he declared that Jesus had done his work right. Jesus had finished the work he came to do—the work of salvation. Jesus lived in a human body and endured the shame and disgrace of the cross, but without sin.

The scriptures say that someday we will face a final inspection before God. This is not a judgment of salvation but of rewards. Paul said this about it, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad,” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Jesus promised to reward those who faithfully serve him, "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done,” (Revelation 22:12). Let us live in such a way as to do the right thing each day with our lives for his glory and honor.

Restoring Relationships

 

Some things in life need our constant attention. A garden won’t grow healthy fruits and vegetables or flowers without the constant care of a good gardener. Someone has to do the work of tending to the garden if you want the plants to flourish. Sometimes there are weeds to pull or dead branches to trim, but always there is the job of watering and caring for the plants. Important relationships are like that. They only flourish in our lives when we tend to them. Things happen, like misunderstandings, and hurt feelings can be the result. Someone has to take the initiative to mend the relationship. If the relationship is left unattended, husbands and wives will drift apart, and hurt unattended will separate the closest of friends.

Several years ago while living in Argentina, I left my family for the evening to attend a service. I drove across a bridge that spanned the Paraná River. When I returned, the bridge was closed, and I couldn’t get home. Though I was only a little over a mile away, I was cut off from my family.

I walked to a little fishing village up stream and inquired if there were any fisherman who had an available boat to take me across. It took a while, but I finally found someone. The mayonero, as they were called, had certainly had one too many drinks, so I was a little apprehensive as to whether or not he would really get me across. As we were making our way across the mammoth river, I noticed substantial water getting in the boat. I asked the man, “Aren’t you worried about the water in the boat?” He replied, “No, it can handle twice that much before we sink.” The trip across the river seemed like forever, but we finally arrived on the other side, and I disembarked right in the middle of a beach party. I got the stares as I got out of the fishing boat wearing a suit and carrying a brief case, but it didn’t matter because I would be home in a few short minutes.

Maybe you find yourself cut off from some family member or friend today. For some unexpected reason the path to clear communication and friendship is closed. I encourage you to find a way to get across the barriers and restore the relationship. Your marriage, your son, your daughter, your parent or your friend is worth the sacrifice. Find out what has come between you and let them know you value the relationship. If you have done wrong, then by all means be quick to apologize and ask forgiveness. Life is simply too short to live another day without restoring the relationships that really matter in our lives.