Drudgery is one of the finest tests to determine the genuineness of our character. Drudgery is work that is far removed from anything we think of as ideal work. It is the utterly hard, menial, tiresome, and dirty work. And when we experience it, our spirituality is instantly tested and we will know whether or not we are spiritually genuine. Read John 13. In this chapter, we see the Incarnate God performing the greatest example of drudgery— washing fishermen’s feet. He then says to them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14)…… we must act to be obedient and not continue to lie down doing nothing. If we will arise and shine, drudgery will be divinely transformed. CHAMBERS
Seem like an odd topic for a devotion? Are you thinking, what does drudgery have to do with my relationship with Jesus. In Matthew 22 when asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus said Love God, but then added there is another, Love Others. And how much am I supposed to love? Romans 12:1, Paul says we should offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God and in John 15 Jesus said that no greater love is shown to others than to lay our own lives down for them.
Living our life in that manner, a Matthew 22 life, doesn’t happen the day we say yes to Jesus. God puts His Spirit in us and then the transformation begins … Romans 12:2 … 2 Corinthians 5:17. Our new life requires a focused and intentional effort on our part if we are to develop our relationship with God. Oswald Chambers says that our spirituality will be tested as we walk this faith walk. The point of testing is not to see if we will fail, but to strengthen us …
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:6-8)
The point today is that you may find yourself doing something that just doesn’t seem very spiritual … maybe you have even developed an attitude because of it … maybe you don’t feel appreciated … maybe you are feeling under-utilized … maybe you are thinking that people just don’t understand what you have to offer ….. think about this … how has your present condition or situation affected your attitude toward God and others? Do you resent having to lay your life down?
In the midst of drudgery, let your light shine so that others will see Jesus …
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)
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