Recently I read an out-of-print book called “Dear Scott, Dear Max,” which chronicles the correspondence between the author F. Scott Fitzgerald and his agent, Maxwell Perkins. What starts as a discussion surrounding publication of Fitzgerald’s first novel, This Side of Paradise, quickly turns into a fascinating window into Fitzgerald’s inner life.
The author vacillates between illusions of grandeur and doldrums of depression. He is at times a financial success, and others at the border of bankruptcy begging Perkins for loans. He complains to his agent that he is doomed never to write anything ever again, then a few months later, reports about his play-in-progress is “the best thing I’ve ever written.” But most interesting to me is the amount of word-count Fitzgerald gives to criticizing the work and accolades of his contemporaries. Knowing that Fitzgerald was on the precipice of writing The Great Gatsby, I can’t help but read the letters and think, “If only he knew!”
At times, I wonder if our Lord Jesus Christ looks upon us with a similar compassion. What kinds of arguments, discussions, or fights about words do I get caught up in every day? To whom am I comparing myself? What doom have I assigned to myself that is not mine to carry? In what personal talents have I forfeited all hope or placed undo confidence? And what might happen in my life if I trust Paul’s words to Timothy and “present [my]self to God as one approved,” instead of constantly trying to prove myself?
The fruit of the spirit are not en vogue. Gentleness is not a quality that plays well on a screen. Patience, endurance, self-control? These are products of an inner life bathed in the light of Christ, not constantly seeking the light of the world’s affirmation and attention. And if I take those qualities with me to every conversation, every disagreement, I am no longer an armored fighter, trying to win, but a servant of the Lord, content to receive whatever outcome He deems fit. What freedom I would display in this world, if I could operate with that kind of detached optimism!
Conversations and disagreements will happen—but, if with the psalmist I can say “Lord, I am indeed your servant,” then the outcomes of those conversations are not my chief concern. My only hope is in the Lord and His mercy. From this vantage point, the world can feel like a terrifying place. But I take hope in my God, who already knows how the story ends, who whispers into my ears each day through the words: Oh, Claire, if only you knew!
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37 thoughts on "Be a Diligent Worker"
This was an awesome devo
So good!
Thank you. I’ll repeat this throughout the day that God says to us, ” If you only knew.”
Churchmouse, your comment brought me to tears. I want to be useful to the Lord, I just had not thought of what I was striving for in a clear, concise way. Thank you!!
Amen
This…..23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. – 2 Timothy 2:23-24
THIS…
Needed this today. I am enough
How many times have I ignored the Lord saying “If you only knew!” or “Why won’t you listen to me?” or even “Your plans need to change, this is what I need you to do…”. I’ve started to listen more, more recently but I think maybe some of it is because I’ve had to.
Lord, open my ears to hear You and Your plans and what You want for me than anything else. Allow me to follow You in the path You have set for me in this stage of my life. Remind me, when I get off track, even if You have to hit me over the head or with pain, that Your way is THE ONLY WAY. Thank You for all You have done for me. I PRAISE YOUR NAME NOW AND FOREVER!!!! AMEN!
Sisters be blessed and listen closely you never know when the Lord might be CALLING YOU!!
What a beautiful devotion Claire! I was just talking about the fruits of the spirit to my husband and brother this past week. I was saying they are not the way of the world. That lately self control is out the window. I’m so thankful that I found Christ and that He never left my side even when I wasn’t being all that faithful. That I have nothing to prove to anyone. My hope is that others see the light of Christ in me. I’m far from perfect, but will reflect on the fruit of the spirit today. I desire to be part of God’s plan and not the worlds.
Wow, such good food for thought in this devotional! Do I enter conversations and disagreements like an armored fighter seeking to win or as a servant of the Lord content with whatever outcome He deems fit? Am I more concerned with the outcome or displaying the fruit of the Spirit? Oh Lord, humble me and teach me to seek righteousness above all else!
I’m appreciating all the insightful comments today. It is a joy to witness The Spirit at work, showing us the area’(s) of growth we need to lean into.
“Present myself as one approved by God, instead of constantly trying to prove myself,” opened the door for Hope to enter my heart and mind. Although I am a diligent worker… I am guilty of self – imposing unrealistic expectations on many tasks I undertake. Not much peace takes place in my way. Ready to do life God’s way. How encouraging!
May we all live lives that reflect the Lord so we may be “useful for the master” ready for the work He has called us to!
2 Timothy 2:21 – So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
The words ‘special instrument’ jumped out at me in this passage. What beautiful imagery and hope!
“Oh, Claire, if you only knew” made me catch my breath!
This is so good. I need to have some difficult conversations. If I truly seek first to understand and then to be understood, and put on Christ as my cloak of gentleness , maybe it will be easier.
This was exactly what I needed to hear today! I struggle with my son who is going through early puberty and doesn’t understand what is happening inside his own body. Everyday is a battle of wills and this teaching just reminded me that fighting with him is not the answer but if I boldly walk in the fruit of the Spirit it will change all my interactions with him. Thank You, Jesus, that You’ve given us the Helper to walk through this earthly life!
♥️
Avoid Godless chatter. This one jumped out at me today as I recalled conversations I had yesterday at work about another teacher who many feel isn’t doing her job well. Instead of giving her guidance or constructive direction I happily joined in. The Holy Spirit immediately awakened my spirit to this sin yet I continued to tear down. We (and there were several of us) never said hurtful things to her face, yet I’m sure she feels the chill. This is an area that is so difficult (gossip) sometimes. Jesus, forgive me for my sin. Fill me with the gifts of your spirit- kindness, gentleness, self control! This is why I need to stay in his word daily! So thankful for God’s grace. Have a terrific Tuesday, Shes! ❤️
Stephanie Rice, I loved that question too. I was also not in a healthy place in my spiritual walk. God has done SO much!
Amazing God has brought you back into His body. I rejoice at your comment!!
Praying today I would keep in step with the Spirit, that I would seek the Lord above the world’s affirmations, and that today the Lord would find me useful. Amen <3
This devotional hit the nail on the head. Lately, I’ve been wrestling a lot with selfish ambition. I want my music, my work, and my person to turn heads.
This devo helped me remember and recognize I have an idol of wanting people to be proud of me. Whether it’s family or people I look up to that have walked with me in life. I’m constantly asking myself if I am pleasing to them. Trying to perform my way to their “good job” and “proud of you!” moments– and feeling disappointed when they don’t come.
I ask God this morning to help me see the root of this desire. I think it stems from a desire to be loved and approved by God? But I realize this idol makes me stumble and feel like a failure. I don’t want to strive after it anymore.
I hope that the Lord will lead me out of this and show me how to live free of trying to please the world around me.
Thank you for the prayers, ladies. I trust God is working in the lives we lift up!
Dear friend in Christ, your words have been such a revelation to me! It sounds like you got what you needed from God, but I am so thankful you shared! You were obedient to the Holy Spirit urging you to do so. I know this, because your words are the exact words I needed myself. Wow! I am going to meditate and pray on them now.
On the podcast they mentioned these letters being written 5 years apart and asked us to think about where we were spiritually 5 years ago. In 2017, I was so harmed by church that I left the Lord completely. Thank Jesus, he leaves the 99 to find the 1 ❤️
“Useful to the Master.” That is what I desire to be. Every day He presents me with opportunities to act and react like Jesus. I pray “Today, Lord, may You find me useful.” He is faithful to provide the opportunities. He has chosen me to represent Him and His interests in my daily encounters. The encounters vary but the mission is the same. Be like Jesus.
I do needed this today because I just went through a situation like this where I kept criticizing myself and everything around me because I was having a hard time finding a job (2 years worth of being turned away and “not good enough”) and 3 weeks ago I started my dream job and I could just feel God saying, “I told you to trust me Hannah, for this is what I had planned for you.”
Purify my heart, Lord (2 Tim 2:22). I call upon you now to strengthen me for this day. As I set out into the morning light I carry heavy things. With You Lord, the burden is light. Take my hand, lead me. I need You now, and I know You are with me. In Your mercy, grace, and all knowing ways, I can do all the things. Make me an honorable vessel Lord, set apart as holy, ready to do the good work You have called me to do this day (2 Tim 2:20-21). Steady heart, keep in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:25). I live, love and breathe by You. Maranatha.
Loved these words today! Needed ALL these verses and I didn’t even know it. God is good!
Wow! Reminded of the hope I put in myself (accomplishments or such) and in things that fail — and reminded of the One who never fails, who loves me despite all my short comings and calls me His!
I needed this reminder too. I tend to be too hard on myself. But God has put people in my life that don’t mind pointing out when I do this. It has helped me to get better at giving myself grace.
❤️
Please pray for Emerson. She is 2 and struggling from flu complications. They’ve admitted her to Children’s hospital. Have a wonderful day ladies!!
Nevermind me… Need my coffee… Lol… I read 2 Timothy 2:1-13 yesterday, just left my marker in the wrong place!
Somehow I think a day was skipped? What happened to 2 Timothy 2:1-13?
Lord, help me to feel the check of Your truth and the Holy Spirit when my actions are not in line with Your words. To pray before I speak, act, respond or discuss (blab about) situations that I should bring to You for guidance. May my eyes be open to situations that look like opportunities but are in fact snares to distract me from following You.
Praying for:
AMANDA NOBLE – the loss of your best friend and guidance for housing decisions
K SWENSON – right treatment/meds and healing
KATHERINE ZIEHL – healing for your dad, comfort and strength for you
SANDI STANLEY – husband’s surgery and recovery
KARIN BRIDLE – Ella
DOROTHY – wisdom and guidance as you evaluate the camp nurse line of work. So cool that you have the opportunity for a “test drive” this summer.
LEXI B – adjusting to working on your own.
MICHELLE PATIRE – Tiffany and Bernadette
MELANIE – healing and guidance for the situation you’re dealing with
GRAMSIESUE – the Lord’s guiding on this business trip
ARINA – marathon week
KRISTIN – ❤️
From HRT “Kindness is basic to Christian charity, but still elusive. Paul is describing a character trait—that our manner with others is loving regardless of their manner with us. Kindness is a way of living peaceably. But when you must argue, argue with a humble purpose. Pray that the distance between you and others would give way to the common ground of truth. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit—meaning when we have to engage in confrontations—which we all do from time to time if we’re dealing honestly with each other—our aim shouldn’t be merely to blast our opponent out of the water. We should gently correct in the hope of strengthening our relationships in God’s truth.”
SANDI STANLEY – praying all goes well with your husband’s surgery tomorrow
KARIN BRIDLE – praying for Ella
K SWENSON – praying for the breakthrough you desire to come to pass
AMANDA NOBLE – so sorry for your loss. Praying God with stregthen you as you moarn and provide a new home for you quickly
Wow how powerful are these words, I know my entire life I have always felt I wasn’t good enough, oh I know God loves Me but I have thought others were so much better than I. Oh God thank you for making me realize this AM that we all serve a purpose and are equally loved by you.