Two-minute read.
“I praised God every day on my way home from work,” one of my spiritual mentors, a physical therapist, said one night during Bible study. “Knowing I have the ability to walk, and have arms and hands to lift things with, just the fact I can move, makes me sing God’s praises.”
Kim hosted us in her upper room above the garage. We gathered to read and study scripture. Now in heaven, I can still see her smiling face as she shared her testimony. Ever since, I’ve praised God for the ability to walk, talk, and move, something I’ve taken for granted in the past.
When we do everything in the name of the Lord, it will change how we do things. Living for Jesus, rather than self, will make us choose patience and kindness when dealing with a difficult coworker, rather than frustration or sarcasm. Instead of using harsh words, we will speak with kindness to our friends and family. We will handle responsibility differently, knowing God sees how we respond when no one else sees.
By choosing integrity, gratitude, and grace, we will live out this verse. Like Kim, grateful for the work she did and the gifts God gave her, we’ll give thanks to the Lord. We will live intentionally, bringing Jesus into everything we do.
Living a lifestyle of gratitude weaves it into all aspects of life. When you live with the awareness of God’s presence, thankfulness naturally follows, not just in good moments, but even in ordinary or challenging ones.
Following Jesus will cause us to think more about our actions and how they affect other people. We will learn to deny self, pick up our cross, and follow the Savior. Whatever the Lord calls us to do, He will provide the resources to do it, giving us plenty of things to thank Him for now and always.
Reflection:
If everything you said and did today was done “in Jesus’ name,” what might need to change?
Joy Thought:
Living for Christ makes the ordinary extraordinary.
