Show up may mean various things to different people, but they are words God consistently uses to bring me into focused attention. They form the impetus that incites change and transformation in all I set my heart to do. Let me explain!
My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic — something I’m grateful for to this day. In school, I stayed up late doing homework and studied hard to achieve good grade scores. Occasionally, I discovered homework missing from my locker when another student would steal my work instead of doing their own. Though frustrated by their behavior, I was powerless to do anything about it. I didn’t realize it but these young people were forming patterns of cheating on themselves.
We have perhaps all been on a team or in a workplace where people “show up” only to collect a paycheck or receive accolades. They put in as little effort as possible for as long as possible, relying on other members of the team to make up for their slack behavior. They achieve only a false sense of success. In the long run, they are losing more they bargained for, while developing habits of slothfulness.
God calls us, to be different. He calls us to “show up”, giving our best to whatever we set our hands and heart to do.
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
Colossians 3:22-24
Slaves
Slaves in biblical times resembled indentured servants. They often voluntarily agreed to a contract called an “indenture” for a prepaid lump sum, as payment for goods or services, or the repayment of a debt. These slaves usually lived within a reasonable lifestyle.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that no matter what our occupation or situation in life, we serve Jesus Christ. He is our Master, calling us to work for Him willingly and wholeheartedly. The New King James version puts it like this:
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
Colossians 3:23
Though retired now from paid employment, God still calls me to “show up.” As a mother and grandmother, He calls me to “show up” doing the best for my family. When I sit at my office desk to write or paint, He calls me to “show up” — to not waste my time or do things below my current potential.
Recognizing our current potential is key. I am certainly not the best author, artist, teacher, or speaker in my little circle of influence, but I can be my best today. Tomorrow, I hope to do better. Next year, I pray there will be even more improvement. But, what am I doing today? Do I show up with God, for God, doing the best I can through Him?
Oh friends! All God asks of any of us is to simply “show up” — to “show up” with the best version of you and me there can be.
The Best
As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, we aim to please Him alone.
“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.“
2 Timothy 2:15
Showing up takes work — hard work. It requires faithfulness, perseverance, and diligence. It means showing up when we don’t feel like it. It means giving our best when we could get by with less. Our lives matter. What we do with our gifts, abilities, and time matters to God. It also makes a difference in the lives of others.
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father..”
Colossians 3:17
Our life and our work represent Jesus. Whether we realize it or not, we daily re-present Him to the world around us. May God grant us the grace to examine ourselves with honesty so we “show up”, giving Him our best.
Reward
Though the purpose behind a strong work ethic should never be for reward, God does reward those who are faithful. The Bible encourages us:
- “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3
- “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9
- “Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.” Proverbs 12:24
- “And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!” Psalm 90:17
- “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Our human nature seeks an easier way. Showing up pushes beyond our natural bend while choosing a better and more rewarding way. I know it’s hard. It is so much easier to scroll the internet, numb out in front of the television, take short cuts, or hope someone else will carry our responsibility. As much as the temptation may be to choose the easy path, consistently showing up ultimately leads to success in every area of our lives. Some days, it feels messy and unproductive. However, we will see the lasting benefits when choosing to give our best.
So, as I write I remember what a privilege we have to serve such an awesome, loving God. He is worthy of our best. How could we possibly consider giving Him anything less when He has given His very best for us? For the favor of One, Jesus Christ, we show up. In pleasing Him we have already succeeded! We win by coming away stronger and better.
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