A Big Deal

Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people. Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Although my juice machine needed to be replaced, it took a while before I convinced myself to purchase a new one. I knew it would be a good investment and a quality machine, but it was hard to put out the cash. After buying the juicer, imagine the shock when I opened the box and found filthy unwrapped parts carelessly piled on top of a carrot-stained machine.

Apparently a customer returned the unwashed juicer. Apparently an employee at the store spider-wrapped the box and re-shelved it without checking to see what was inside. Apparently, based on the manager’s response, none of this was a big deal.

It is more and more acceptable in our culture to relax, get sloppy, and “cut corners.” After all, “that’s what everyone else is doing,” and relativism tells us that nothing has to be done a certain way. The pressure of maintaining high standards is gone.  

At Christmas we are reminded that God sent his pure and holy Son as a gift to humankind. He did not cut corners. He gave us His best, a part of Himself. This perfect gift, the Messiah, did not cut corners either. He gave His life for us to the point of death on a cross. God continues to keep His promises, not lowering His standards or missing any details, following His absolute plan.

Father, during this Christmas season we are reminded that you held nothing back in giving us Your best. Help us to represent You with high standards, doing our best in the big and small things of life even when others might be willing to accept less from us.

© 2012 Nance