Whose Work Am I Working?

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do…

“’I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world… For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me… While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them… I have given them your word… I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them.'” John 16:1-4,6,8,12,14,26

Jesus, in His seemingly young and short life, persisted in every particular of the work He had been sent to do. He was timely, measured, and focused, and knew as His earthly ministry drew to a close that He was right on schedule. Being continually about His Father’s business, He wearied Himself with long days, but never tired of doing the work. Intent on God’s will, He was never frustrated or over-burdened, but in fact knew He had glorified Him in carrying out His assignment. (Mark 6:31-32; Luke 5:16; John 4:6)

As we close a year, it is wise to look back and consider how we have handled the time God has given. Over the months, have we worked His work or our own? Are there things undone that we can tend to this day? Are there missed opportunities that weigh heavy, but that we need to confess, leave with Him, and leave behind?

Looking ahead, what new vistas for His glory might the Lord have in store? What would it take for us to be able to rest each night knowing we have accomplished the work God had for us to do that day? If every morning we committed every hour to Him in prayer, that we might manifest Him and His truth, He would direct and ordain our steps. If our intent is to glorify Him with the authority He has entrusted to us, and honor His name above and in spite of our own, His Spirit will guide our decisions. He will honor an earnest desire to guard His causes, His people, and His work, for His glory. (Psalm 32:8)

How wholeheartedly am I working the Lord’s work? Do I grow weary in doing good, or of doing good? When God calls me to a certain task, where does my focus- on my audience, my motive, or my desire- need adjusting, so that I am doing all as unto Him? (Galatians 6:9-10; Ephesians 6:7-8; Colossians 3:23)

Lord, may my work be wholehearted and complete in every way, so that the world may know that You sent me, and love them. (John 17:23)