Growing up, Larry spent a lot of time working in his family’s small grocery store. He stocked shelves, rotated products, and removed old produce. His father would take him to a certain area and explain what needed to be done. Then he’d retreat to another area of the store leaving Larry to work unsupervised.
With no one looking, Larry could have done a sloppy job or goofed off. But he knew his father would eventually return to check on him and his work. Larry did good work, not because he feared his father’s criticism, but because he loved his father and knew his father loved him. Their mutual love created a desire in Larry to please his dad.
When Larry talks about working for his dad, I think about our heavenly Father’s love and Christ’s promise return.
“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! … Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure” (1 John 3:1-3 NLT).
What does it mean to belong to God? Doesn’t everyone belong to Him?
Faithful Children of God Versus Children of the Devil
The passage continues showing the difference between those who belong to God and those who belong to the devil. Heavy stuff.
“Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God” (1 Jn. 3:7-10 NLT).
Larry didn’t need a badge, flashy title, or powerful position to show he belonged to the owner. He faithfully fulfilled mundane tasks because he was the owner’s son.
God isn’t looking for heroism or flashy positions in His kingdom work. We please Him by remaining faithful in our everyday assignments (Matthew 24:12-13; 45-51). He’s put us in different parts of His store. But we’re all called to faithfully love and care for those He’s placed in our circle (Galatians 5:14).
The quality of Larry’s work reflected his love for his father. How we live and treat people reveal our love for the Father. Nothing trumps righteous living and love for fellow believers.
Like Larry counted on his dad’s return, we can count on Christ’s return. Looking for His return helps us hang on when times are tough and evil seems to win. Jesus is coming back. Paul reminds us to “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatian 6:9 NIV).
Whatever you’re going through today, your Father understands. He stands ready to support you, and Jesus is praying for you. May He find us faithful.
If you live the Raleigh, NC area, I hope you’ll join me at Knowing God’s One Woman Conference this weekend where I’ll be speaking on “How to Recognize and Resist the Devil’s DARTS.”
Blessings,
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#InstaEncouragements, #TellHisStory, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
Glad you get to teach!
And that’s such a dear story about your husband. I recently read that the reward for following Jesus… is Jesus! Which is so great! Why do we go looking for more?
Michele, I LOVE that. Nothing is better than getting closer to Jesus!
I agree with your sentiment, Debbie. May God find me faithful in whatever tasks He gives me each day. God bless you!
Yes. God bless you, Annie!
Our Father is always faithful and trustworthy. Your analogy of Larry’s work ethic is a wonderful example of our Father’s watchfulness and concern for His children–as well as His concern for us to do our best at whatever task He guides us to do. Thank you for this inspiring message.
Thank you, Katherine. You always offer biblical encouragement.
So often we think it’s only the big or flashy opportunities to serve that really count for anything. But there is nothing like everyday faithfulness done out of love for the Father. I have been touched and inspired and encouraged many times by people who shine for Jesus in everyday life.
Me too, Barbara. Often those faithful saints in the background make the biggest impact.
Thank you, Debbie for this precious story and the reminder that we must remain faithful for Jesus is indeed coming back! Oh, to be found faithful and busy at His kingdom work when He does!
Amen! Thank you, Donna!
What a beautiful post. It’s good encouragement for us to remain reliable and faithful.
Thank you, Priscilla. I appreciate how God gives us tangible examples to hold on to.
It is a blessing to know how much God understands us and cares for us. I pray to always have the strength to stand firm in my faith.
Me too, Yvonne. Thank you.
What a wonderful God we serve!
Yes!! Amen, Ann.
Knowing Christ makes us look forward to His return. The work we do “in His store” will hopefully make more people desire the same.
I like that, Barbara. I hope so!
You brought a wonderful analogy through Larry’s work in his father’s story. Sweet, precious, and powerful. “How we live and treat people reveal our love for the Father.” My prayer is that He be seen in us each day.
I add my “Amen,” to your prayer, Joanne.
Debbie, thank you for this. May He find us faithful, focused, and grateful as we continue forward, one day at a time, making it our goal to please Him. There’s joy in walking this life of faith, isn’t there …
Yes there is, Linda. And may we live each day “faithful, focused, and grateful.”
Mr. Larry’s youth shows a great example Ms. Debbie, as yours does today my friend. I loved your selection from 1 John. Although I far fall short of Christ’s righteous life and our Father’s expectation/standard of righteousness, I have to remember that I’m human and remain infected with a sin nature. Yet, through Christ, I can be cleaned the moment I approach His throne of grace, because the Father sees His Son and not the fithy rags that Satan wants us to wear.
Yes, the Father sees the righteousness of Jesus. It is startling to know we are either a sheep or a goat. No one is 1/2 sheep and 1/2 goat. He patiently trains and disciplines us so we can become who He has made us to be.
What a beautiful analogy, Debbie! Those verses from 1 John spoke to me this morning. I see so many people in my circle of influence who believe they are Christians but have no fruit. And while no one knows another’s heart, I fear they have a false assurance of salvation. Thanks for sharing.
Donna, those verses really speak to me too. Sometimes reading from a different translation helps me see new things. Thanks for joining me today.