One thing I have determined: as a Christian wife, nothing I do is meaningless. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men;” and a very acceptable reason for this is given. You see, from a worldly standpoint a woman could go crazy with the day-in, day-out monotony of endless cooking, cleaning, repairing and planning required for running a home. It helps a little to think that it’s never “just” another sink full of dishes or “just” another load of laundry – it’s an opportunity to show my husband appreciation for his provision of our material things. It’s never “just” another meal to fix; it’s an act of love, providing a good meal for his enjoyment in gratitude for the work he does. Every sock laundered and every shirt ironed is an expression of love and honor.

God provided my husband with a wife, and I will play my God-given role with dignity – because in serving my husband, I serve Christ. The same will be true in my service to my children should the day come for me to have them. Colossians 3:24 says to work in this way, “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Every part of my life is subject to this command – that whatever I do in word or deed, all is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus while giving thanks through Him to the Father (3:17).

Interestingly, it is difficult to complain while one is giving thanks – the Holy Spirit knows our nature so well. And it’s hard to feel like my work is meaningless when Jesus says He receives glory from it. For our benefit, Paul shows a very clear progression in how this plays out in a Christian’s life and the eternal consequences of our hard work in Colossians 3:18-25.

As a wife, I am subject to my husband, as is fitting in the Lord (3:18). I strive to be lovable, that my husband’s role may be an easier calling (3:19).

As a mother, I will seek to model obedience for my children and to teach them that their obedience is likewise pleasing to the Lord (3:20). I will help my husband nurture our children, parenting them with the end in mind and not just the moment (3:21).

I obey those in authority on earth, not with external service, as one who merely pleases men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord (3:22).

Whatever I do, I do my work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that I will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom I serve (3:23-24). Just as he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done – without partiality (3:25) – so can we expect the consequences of the good which we do.

So, sisters – let’s get busy… plug in that Crock-Pot with your head held high, and thank the Lord for that daunting laundry hamper. Kiss those boo-boos and hold your husband close. We have an irreplaceable position of honor in our homes. The families we serve receive honor from us with each act of service and love – but so does the Lord Jesus. We utter words of comfort to our children so they may have confidence in our love for them – but we strengthen their confidence in the Lord when they see Mommy search His Word for that same comfort. EVERYTHING we do as Christian women is not in service to ourselves alone, or even exclusively for the benefit of our loved ones. It is the Lord Christ whom we serve – Amen!

By Keeley Rollert
Keeley Rollert and her husband, David, are currently students at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver.  They were married December 2008, and they look forward to working in whatever ministry God has planned for them when they finish school in May, 2011.