Today is…

a terrific day to ask ourselves if we do enough.

“So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away.”  2 Peter 1:10 NLT

What is it that God has called us to do?

What have we been chosen for?

Two seemingly difficult questions that are not all that complicated if we will simply take the time to look at the talents and abilities that God has given us and then pray for His guidance in using them according to His will, and to achieve His purpose.

The vast majority of us here on earth are just “regular” people. We are not world leaders or world famous. We are just the average people next door trying to do the best for our families while serving the Lord. We know that God is important but, as is the case in many instances, He is sometimes relegated to the back burner because we have taken on too many responsibilities.

Something has to give, and it is usually our relationship with God that suffers. When things do slow down enough for us to consider the matter, many of us find ourselves asking, “Am I doing enough?”

First of all, we need to do everything that we do with the right attitude. Even our “regular” jobs should be done with God in mind.

“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Ephesians 6:7 NLT).

If we can bring ourselves to do that, we will have taken a big step towards “doing enough,” because if God is in our minds and hearts while we work, we can be sure that people will notice a happiness, peacefulness and joy of spirit that might cause them to inquire, affording us the opportunity to tell them that, “God makes me this way.”

One important fact to consider is this: If we are asking the question of ourselves, we are showing concern and that is another step towards “doing enough.” When we are constantly looking for ways to serve God, serve our fellow man, and we use our gifts and talents – no matter how great or small – in service to both, we will find ourselves feeling more and more fulfilled.

Rather than trying to “do enough,” we will simply always be striving to do more.

You see, God has no requirements, minimums or quotas. He wants us to use His lessons and our hearts to determine how to serve. Among the good advice Paul gave to the Romans was, “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” (Romans 12:11 NLT).

This does not mean we can never just sit back and relax. It simply means that our relaxation should mean something because it has come about as a result of our work to serve God, spread His message, and help those around us.

The easiest way to know is this: When we don’t have to ask ourselves if we are doing enough, we probably are.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson