"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/03/james-robertson-walks-21-miles-to-work-donations-car_n_6604896.html
The story gets even better. Evan Leedy, a student at Detroit's Wayne State University, set up a site to raise $5000 to buy James a car, the media told the story and more than $200,000 was donated to Mr. Robertson, who plans to keep it simple. While this is certainly a Cinderella story of how hard work reaps its rewards, I believe it's a bigger one about how one's attitude can change the people around you. Ephesians 4:29 tells us, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Corrupting talk includes any sort of grumbling, complaining or degrading sarcasm - it should be replaced with only words that encourage, comfort or instruct... words that are good for building up. This is the way, in the midst of the world, we set ourselves apart and inspire others to do the same. I say it was his attitude more than his actions that drew people to him.
Very few of us will ever be rewarded this side of heaven for the work we do....especially in the way that James Robertson was. But we shouldn't let that stop us or be our motivation. Matthew 5:12 gives us this promise, " Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.." So, be strong and don't give up. Let your attitude change those around you so they might also know Christ and be rewarded.
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the ability to work. No matter what you have called us to do, may we do it with joy in our hearts and praise on our lips. Wherever we are, let us view it as an opportunity to encourage others through our actions and speech. May our words be kind, encouraging and uplifting to everyone we meet and work with. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
The story gets even better. Evan Leedy, a student at Detroit's Wayne State University, set up a site to raise $5000 to buy James a car, the media told the story and more than $200,000 was donated to Mr. Robertson, who plans to keep it simple. While this is certainly a Cinderella story of how hard work reaps its rewards, I believe it's a bigger one about how one's attitude can change the people around you. Ephesians 4:29 tells us, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Corrupting talk includes any sort of grumbling, complaining or degrading sarcasm - it should be replaced with only words that encourage, comfort or instruct... words that are good for building up. This is the way, in the midst of the world, we set ourselves apart and inspire others to do the same. I say it was his attitude more than his actions that drew people to him.
Very few of us will ever be rewarded this side of heaven for the work we do....especially in the way that James Robertson was. But we shouldn't let that stop us or be our motivation. Matthew 5:12 gives us this promise, " Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.." So, be strong and don't give up. Let your attitude change those around you so they might also know Christ and be rewarded.
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the ability to work. No matter what you have called us to do, may we do it with joy in our hearts and praise on our lips. Wherever we are, let us view it as an opportunity to encourage others through our actions and speech. May our words be kind, encouraging and uplifting to everyone we meet and work with. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Speak Life - TobyMac
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