Author Archives: Rhonda J. Smith

Lead & Follow Hard

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If you think it’s hard thinking about working hard so you can be pure and blameless upon Jesus’ return, try thinking about Jesus while engaged in everyday responsibilities. I’m not talking about the old cliché “What Would Jesus Do?” I’m talking about the Scriptures that command what your standard behavior should be when you work for and supervise others.

Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons (Colossians 3:22-25).

A similar scripture passage in Ephesians (6:9) includes how masters should treat their servants, but I want to revisit the scripture that I used in my last entry:

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds (Proverbs 27:23).

We see that whether you are working for someone or supervising someone, you are commanded to be selfless. Yes, there are great personal benefits for working hard, as we saw last time, but these scriptures show that keeping others in mind should be our focus: our supervisors, our subordinates and, above all, Jesus to help us do the right thing with both groups.

So the next time you want to sigh about your boss’ request, ask yourself would you sigh at Jesus. Or when you want to just sit your ADD son in front of the television instead of engaging him in a calming activity so you can have time to yourself, ask yourself 1) is watching TV doing him (or you) any good and 2) would you leave Jesus to Himself while you took care of personal pleasures.

What we see is that the Bible considers a hard worker as one who works at things they desire to do AND one who works hard to do the right thing even when they don’t want to (1 Peter 2:13-19). Working hard to please God and not man (even you) is the righteous standard. This is not always easy, but because God requires it and has given us His Holy Spirit, His requirement is more than fair; in actuality it should be a cinch. I don’t know about you, but I had to say ‘ouch’ to that.

Copyright 2009 by Rhonda J. Smith

Working Hard for Jesus?

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“Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace” 1 Peter 3:14

How many of us have this as a theme scripture for our lives? Really, how many of us seek to work hard so that we can be undefiled, blameless and at peace upon Jesus’ return? For most of us it’s “work hard to get that pay check” or we do so for a personal sense of pride. I don’t think many of us are thinking about Christ’s return when we go to work every day, when we work on that special project or even when we are raising our children. Our minds may be far from Scripture when we go about our routine tasks even though the Bible tells us of other reasons we should work hard:

1. He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich (Proverbs 10:4).

2. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute (Proverbs 12:24).

3. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat (Proverbs 13:4).

4. The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want (Proverbs 21:5).

5. Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men] (Proverbs 22:29).

6. Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds (Proverbs 27:23).

Being rich, in charge, and otherwise prosperous (1-5) are great benefits for us being hard workers, but we are also required to work hard for the benefit of others, as item six tells us: We should work hard to know how well those we are given charge over are faring and to do what we can to help them. We shouldn’t work hard just to reap earthly benefits but so that Jesus will find us the way He expects upon His return for us. This is the great challenge for us but one with an understanding of Scripture that will be easier to achieve.

Copyright by Rhonda J. Smith

Death Defeating Delivery

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[We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).

Those scriptures were my battle cry during the delivery of my third child, Justus Emmanuel. Because of God’s faithfulness, Justus defeated death on November 11, 2009:
Threats to Justus’ Life

A New Season

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Justus Emmanuel, my third child


On Wednesday, November 11, 2009, I gave birth to Justus Emmanuel, my third child and third son. I’ll be busy nurturing him almost exclusively the next few weeks, but I’ll be back. I’m just taking a maternity leave so that I might practice what I preach about the strong black woman not trying to do things (including blogging) in her own strength. Lord willing, I’ll get back to you sooner than later.

5 More Physical Beauty Tips

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I realized that my last blog post was singularly focused on clothing. As you know, physical grooming is more than a nice outfit. You must make sure that you don’t mess up your clothes with bad body order, a whack hairdo, the wrong or no makeup and mismatched accessories. So this post is dedicated to encouraging you to get these areas right so your outfit will be tight!

1. Make sure you smell good before you look good. Most women in my blog demographic would find this tip insulting and rightfully so. If there is anything you wouldn’t be suffering from it is bad body odor. You know that it’s best to shower or bathe daily because anything less than that allows odor-causing bacteria to find a home in your underarms and private parts. But for the small minority of you who think that you can consistently get away with showering once a week or so and opting for a wash at your bathroom sink, think again, like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I don’t think so! And please remember to have fresh breath by brushing, flossing, and professionally cleaning your teeth. Don’t forget the mouthwash and mints.
2. Find a hair stylist that works for you. This could be at a salon, a friend or even you once you find out what looks work with you, what you can afford and who can provide you the service (including nurturing healthy hair) that you need. Don’t compromise because of money or convenience if your outcome would look like you didn’t get your hair done at all. Barter services. Read magazines, websites and blogs to find out what to do with your hair texture and head and facial structure. Keep your hair clean by not going beyond your regular treatment times. Do the best you can within your means.
3. Apply makeup to highlight your natural features or go without it. I love makeup, but when I apply more than my basics (eyeliner, lipstick and sometimes foundation), I look made up, not like an enhanced beauty. If you don’t have an eye for makeup application or know what colors bring out your natural features, consult professionals, like Chevelle Downs or Rashida TheGlamDoctor Williams.
4. Don’t over- or under-accessorize. There’s nothing more distracting than a huge pair of earrings and a bodacious necklace with an already decorative outfit. Accessories should enhance, not overpower, your look. If you have to ask, “Is this too much?” it probably is.
5. Keep your nails together. You don’t have to have a manicurist to make sure your nails aren’t ragged. Have at a minimum a nailbrush, clippers and file so you can keep your nails neat and clean. Polish or a nail salon is always a wonderful option if you have the time and money.
Taking the time and energy to care for your temple not only makes you look good but provides the perfect canvas to paint the “picture perfect” representative for Jesus Christ.

Copyright 2009 by Rhonda J. Smith