68. Make God proud

The other day I was driving to the shopping mall. Now I wouldn't say that I drive excessively fast, but sometimes when the road is open I tend to drive faster than the speeding limit. For example in a 60 km/h zone I would drive 80 km/h easily or sometimes even 90km/h. That day I drove about 80 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. But the next moment I noticed that a police vehicle was driving right behind me. I had such a fright and slammed on the brakes to get to 60km/h. Now I know that they were not following me, they were by chance right behind me, but their mere presence made me nervous and all of a sudden I wanted to obey the speeding limit. They didn't do anything, but I felt guilty, because I know I was in the wrong. This incident made me think, why is it that people only obey when they know that they are being watched?

Another example is a classic one at work. Have you noticed how everyone works faster and more efficient when the boss is around? And the moment he leaves, almost everyone tends to slack off. I would never forget that at my previous employer, one of my colleagues would always work in the time when he knows the boss is on holiday, and take leave when the boss is back. And during the time that the boss is not there, he would leave early from work, take extended lunch breaks and surf the internet most of the day. Isn't it ironic that a lot of people are that way? They only look out for their own advancement, and when the one that can promote them is not there, they don't care about the rest.

But the Lord pointed out to me that we shouldn't just act and work in the right manner when we are being watched, because in actual fact we are always being watched. The Lord is always, everywhere, watching our every move. Now I am not saying He is like a policeman, but He is our loving Father looking out for us. He wants us to act in a manner that would reflect Him. After all He says in Romans 12:11:

"Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically."

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit your work to the Lord, then your plans will succeed."

We have a big responsibility as Christians to reflect that we are indeed children of God. If we say that we are His children, we need to act that way and reflect Him to the world. And if we are not responsible in our work and our everyday tasks, it can hinder other people in their faith. For example it makes me very angry if people drive with 'Jesus stickers' on the bumpers of their cars, and then they drive like maniacs, pushing in in front of other motorists, skipping red lights etc. Because then I think to myself, if I didn't know the Lord personally, this will put me off from Christianity. If Christians behave this way, I don't want to be one. So if you do have a bumper sticker, that is great, but please remember to drive like a Christian ought to.

Also at work, do your work to the best of your ability, whether anyone is watching you or not. The Lord sees you and He knows your heart. He sees what you are doing and He will bless you because of it. Even if you don't get a raise and the one misleading the boss does, it doesn't matter, the Lord's approval is more important than anything else in the world. And you can be sure of blessings falling on you, whether it is good health, clever children, a discount at the shops or treasures in heaven. Don't fall into the trap of our materialistic world, but make the Lord your main Boss. At the end of the day, you are only accountable to Him and no one else.

Lord Jesus, please help us to be better Christians in everything we do. Please help us to look up to You and to follow Your holy example. You are the only One we want to please. We want You to say to us: "Well done My good and faithful son. I am proud of you." Amen

 

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