expert |ˈekˌspərt|  –  (noun):  a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area

There is a lot of pressure in being an expert.  Pressure that I don’t necessarily desire to pursue.  Even so, I do believe in giving one’s best to whatever one commits to.  In 1 Corinthians 15:58 we find these words:

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (New International Version).

What is “the work of the Lord?”  For many years I served as an administrative assistant and/or business manager within the office of a church.  I later answered the call to pastoral ministry, and this is the true desire of my heart today.  In either aspect of these professions, it would seem that my life is fully dedicated to the work of the Lord.  Yet, I believe giving oneself “fully” goes much deeper than what my profession has become.

As a Christian, I have made a commitment to God that everything I am and all that I say or do would be “fully to the work of the Lord.”  Therefore, my relationships – whether it is with other Christians or not, should reflect God’s love and compassion.  My behavior toward others as well as the words I choose should lift others up, not tear them down.  The actions of my life should reflect a servant’s heart like Jesus, not judgment.  No matter what I am up against, my life should  be fully focused on reflecting God’s work within me and the work He wants to do through me rather than the circumstances around me.

Just because my work is within the ministry of the church, it does not mean my work has always been fully focused on the work of the Lord.  Being detailed oriented and somewhat of a perfectionist (I’m trying to cure that) can cause me to fail to see the more important things God wants to show me.  It is the difference of being a Mary or a Martha (Luke 10:38-42).  Granted, there is a need for both, but sometimes I have a tendency to be more of a Martha when it might have pleased God more for me to be a Mary.

I have come to realize that my expertness in presentation can miss the point of the purpose.  Therefore, the expert I become becomes no expert at all.  This I do know.  If I faithfully dedicate my life to Christ, and allow God to do His work within me the way He wants to do it within me, then I am prepared to give myself fully to the work of the Lord.  It will not be in vain, because He has assured me that even the smallest of my offerings can be used to His glory – even when I fail.

My challenge today is to continue to offer my life fully to the work of the Lord so He can continue the work He has started within me and through me.  I invite you to do the same.

Verse of Encouragement ∼ Philippians 2:1-5

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”