"I have to. . ."
It doesn't really matter what is at the end of the sentence, it's the verb that's important. The "have to" in that sentence makes the whole sentence sound like a drudgery, a burden, something we are obligated to do but find not one bit of joy in doing.
Being a woman raised in the Deep South, I am blessed to have been the beneficiary of a great deal of chivalry. I like having doors opened for me. I enjoy having heavy things removed from my arms and carried by someone stronger than myself. I don't find it insulting at all. But it doesn't always feel like a compliment either.
Sometimes there are those who can open a door or take a burden from you and yet you sense there is no joy in it for them, merely that sense of obligation, that "I have to do this" sort of mentality. Fortunately for me, the men in my life are wonderful men who truly find joy in their chivalry and it shows. "Let me get that for you," is something I might often hear as a door is opened or a burden removed from my arms. They sound not only like they mean it, but like they really like to do it. Then there is joy in it for me as well.
The Scriptures tell us "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you," (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ). Everything He has given us to do is to be accompanied with thanksgiving. Not only that, we are not alone in the doing.
". . .for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5).
As Christians, everything we do is blessed with the presence of the Lord Jesus. This changes our "I have to" into a "I get to!" Then the things we do, no matter how menial or how lowly, become filled with gladness and joy. No matter what He has called us to do, if we are doing it with Him, it is joyful. And doing it with a joyful and thankful heart is a wonderful example of worship, praise and honor to our Lord.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"
Colossians 3:23
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