Mundane Chores Are Good For Us

Oswald Chambers in Our Utmost For His Highest says, “Drudgery is the test of genuine character. The greatest hindrance in our spiritual life is that we will only look for big things to do. Yet, “Jesus…took a towel and…began to wash the disciples’ feet…” (John 13:3-5)

What does this mean?

It means that if we call ourselves Christians, we need to model after Jesus’ example and serve even in the most boring of jobs that we as SAHMs often have to do! And yet we are often looking for grand things to do and look with disdain at the daily mundane, behind-the-scenes things that He has called us to do.

It doesn’t help to hear comments along the lines of “Oh! I could never be like you and just stay at home. I’d be so bored!” Meaning – a SAHM’s life is so very boring, made up of so many mundane things that no self-respecting, smart and well-educated woman would ever want to be in our shoes.

We all know that it is more rewarding to serve out of the home. People will notice us, especially if we are good at what we are doing. We will probably receive praise and maybe even monetary rewards! And so, we often gladly volunteer to help out and serve out of the home.

But ooh! serve at home? No one sees that except the children and dh! And cleaning the house? Changing the baby’s diapers – boring! Anyone can do it! We are meant for greater things! Right???

Our attitude when doing the mundane tells the true story of our walk with God. It shows how much of our old selves is still alive and kicking, not yet crucified to the Cross! It is a good gauge of our spiritual walk.

Are we too grand to serve our dhs a cup of coffee? Hasn’t he got hands? Or to serve our children by wiping up the mess they made in the toilet? I am a graduate, you know?

Our attitude is also seen in the way we execute our chores. Are they well done? Or slip shod? (Read Pride in Our Work? for more on this.)

Jesus took a towel and washed his disciples feet. We know that only lowly servants did that and that’s why Peter protested so vehemently when Jesus wanted to wash his feet.

But Jesus said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:14 – 16

As SAHMs, it may seem that all we do is serve and do mundane stuff. But this is my challenge to you and to me – Will we serve like Jesus did regardless of the mundane-ness of our chores or esteem ourselves the greater person, too qualified to serve our family?

Wasting our education and talents being stuck at home to perform so-called lowly tasks? Serving only when it serves our needs? Or will we serve even when it is a drudgery?