948b72f4a39f36b884a28e96395f079018 When Moses set up the tabernacle, he put the bases in place, erected the frames, inserted the crossbars and set up the posts. 19 Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, as the Lord commanded him. Exodus 40:18-19 NIV

“Why do I need to wash the car? It’s just going to get dirty the next time I drive it. Besides I bought a car with color so it doesn’t show dirt as obvious as a white car does.” A typical teenage response learning the responsibility of car ownership.

Most of life includes the activity of doing seemingly mundane and repetitive chores. No fanfare is given for loading the dishwasher or unloading it. No applause is heard for sweeping or dusting the house. Little encouragement of gratitude is spoken for meal planning and grocery shopping. Anticipating joy is not in the catalogue of emotions when having to clean one’s room. The motivation level for doing a chore again and again can be downright wearisome.

Some thoughts to consider

  • Idle hands bring trouble – For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 2 Thess 3:11 ESV. One common expression is idle hands are the devil’s playtool. That’s not a scripture, but it has some merit.
  • We were created for work before the fall of Adam and Eve. Their disobedience brought in the aspect of sweat and weeds. That judgement opens the door for our wearisome emotions.
  • Moving away from an agrarian culture to city life has made a greater challenge to teach kids the regularity of substantive daily chores that have a connection to living. 
  • Watching TV, playing video games, or engaging in social media is not a daily chore.

Some actions to include in daily chores

  • Add a spiritual activity to be included with the work
    • When washing the dishes add a prayer element to remember different family members
    • When making the bed, pause to start a bible memorization to be spoken while doing it or pray for the people who sleep in that bed
    • When sweeping the house, ask God address injustice in the world that is covered up. Ask God to bring relief and encouragement that their needs are being addressed.
  • Pray for yourself before working
    • Thank God for the physical ability to work
    • Ask God for His presence to be very intimate while you are working.
      • Ask for ears to hear what He may want to share with you
      • Ask for revelation about some struggles you are facing
      • Ask for a increased appreciation for His love and mercy

Some Bible Verses addressing Idleness or Slothfulness

Proverbs 24:30-34; 2 Thess 3:10-12; Col. 3:17,23; Gen 2:15; Luke 16:10; Proverbs 10:5, 12:11,24;Eph 5:15-17

If you are looking for a thank you…here it is. Thank you. I am not saying this with any sarcasm. I truly am thankful for all of the hours and years of unseen and unappreciated work. May you not grow weary in well doing.

Blessings Love y’all