Maturity

“I’m tired of playing house.” I lamented to a friend of mine, back when I was raising toddlers, “That’s the problem, Teri, you’re playing at it.” Unfortunately, my insightful friend was right.

I have an aversion to hard work. I’d rather eat pudding. Mmm, instant chocolate pudding, can you taste it? Maybe you’re like my mom; you prefer the homemade cooked kind. Not me. I love this creamy, dreamy delight that only takes a couple of minutes to whip up.

Instant pudding reinforced my depraved desire for instant gratification; I want everything now—including well-developed skills. Too bad skill doesn’t happen that way. As a result, I’m mediocre at lots of things but master of none.

A well-written phrase, a realistic painting (skills I long for) result from hard work—consistent practice.

“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” Proverbs  22:29

This proverb reminds us we need to work diligently at the jobs God dishes up for us to do. After all, we are His workmanship, and He made us to accomplish good works (Ephesians 2:10) for His glory.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31

 Let’s work hard and bring glory to God with the natural ability He bestowed on us. Then, when we stand before our King, Jesus, we’ll enjoy his praise of faithful stewardship.

In what skill do you desire excellence? Is it important enough to you that you’re willing to work at it, or are you suffering from instant pudding dissatisfaction?