Well Done
I listened to a song earlier today (Well Done by The Afters) and it really got me to thinking about my life, Hope's life, all of our lives, really. There's a longing to be able to hear Jesus say to us on that day when we see him face to face, "Well done!" But I don't know if you're like me and you wonder what in the world do I have to offer? Am I making a big enough difference to warrant a well done from Jesus? I just live an ordinary life. I'm not making huge waves. I'm not in the spotlight. I haven't done GREAT things for God.
And then I think of my Hope's life. I fully believe that Jesus told her, "Well done, Hope!" when she entered into his presence. Did she do big things? Was she successful by our world's standards of what constitutes greatness? Do I think she even thought she did enough to warrant a well done?
But here's what I do know about Hope. First, she loved Jesus. She had a simple, uncomplicated faith in him. She loved him with her whole heart. She spent time worshiping him through music and dance. She sought him out in her Bible reading and Bible art. In other words, she didn't DO sometimes, she was just being, being in the presence of God, enjoying him. Does that constitute a well done? I should think so, probably above anything that we can DO.
Secondly, Hope didn't have any kind of flashy ministry. She was just herself, who God created her to be, being friends with those who crossed her path. She loved her family and friends and she loved children. And she had a heart for them and their well-being. She did her best to be inclusive of people and to be kind and respectful. She loved people with the love that God had given her while she was being with him. Does that constitute a well done? I have to think it does.
Being faithful to God on a daily basis is what counts. It doesn't have to be big things as the world defines it, but just a commitment and faithfulness to the little things, to the everyday things. Can we spend time in God's presence letting him fill us with his love? Can we treat our family in a Godly way? Can we see a friend who is hurting and come along side? Can we do that one thing that God is prompting us to do in our hearts? Who knows maybe these are actually the big things! And I'm convinced if we do these (while being open to some big things God might want us to do), we will be welcomed with a well done. Maybe the well done is just by virtue of accepting Jesus into our lives, the one whom we live for?
