There are certain works that have tangible results. Tasks like landscaping or painting are good examples of how our efforts are visible to the naked eye.
I pruned our wisteria vines and cut off dozens of shoots for three seasons. In the spring, my heart and eyes rejoiced as I closely monitored the buds over the past several weeks.
“They’re coming, they’re coming,” I said to myself. And they did in all of the splendor of colors and scent.
The reward, not without some patient endurance, was worth the work and wait. As Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
But not all work produces neon results. The internal efforts that subtly creep us ever so slowly to becoming more like Jesus may or may not be noticed by people. But God takes delight in our growth the way a sports-camp director records that certain players are leaving more skilled than when they first came in.
There is a gardener who says, “Remain in the vine.” There is a painter who reminds us, “Take heart, I am working you into a masterpiece.”
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: Our outward work and accompanying results are a metaphor of the soul-work of The Holy Spirit. Whenever you work at something with your whole heart, you are getting a glimpse of the image of God within you.
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him…All hard work brings a profit.
Colossians 1:16 NIV, Colossians 3:17 NIV, Proverbs 14:23