Our jobs take a lot of time, energy and attention. We don't have much choice - we have to work to pay our way in this world, to pay for food, shelter and many other necessities, and hopefully we have some left over for a pleasure, hobby or luxury. I feel like too many of us, even we Christians, compartmentalize our lives: We think of work as one part of our lives, our family as another part, church as another part, etc.
But it should ALL be devoted to God. God wants all of us, not just a part of us. In particular, with as much of our time, energy and attention as we need to devote to our jobs, we should devote our jobs to God. If you feel led to serve the Lord directly, doing something like preaching or missionary work, go for it. But, if you feel led in another direction, devote that work to God too. If you work for the electric company, then do your job the best you can to provide the power that your fellow humans need. If you work in a bakery, do your job the best you can, so that your fellow humans can find joy in the products you make. Whatever you do, do your best, be honest, and treat the people with whom you come in contact with respect, humility and compassion.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." -Colossians 3:23-24
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." -Ecclesiastes 9:10
"For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow." -II Thessalonians 3:7-9
Turn over a new leaf, starting tomorrow. Look at your job in a new way. Think of your job as serving the Lord, no matter what it is! You will find it more enjoyable, less stressful, and you'll find fulfillment in knowing you are serving the Lord and society to the best of your ability.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Hurricanes
If you're like me, you've been watching the news reports on Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna, Ike, etc. with great interest. I like weather in general, and I enjoy following what's going on, especially something that's a little unusual. But, of course, we're all concerned about the people in the paths of these storms. People are losing their lives and others are getting injured. And the damage to public and personal property is almost unimaginable for those of us who haven't had experience with hurricanes.
One lesson we can learn from this is how little faith we can put in earthly possessions. These possessions can be taken away quickly, with almost no warning.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." -Matthew 7:24-27
"Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." -Proverbs 23:5
We need to put our faith in God, who will not fail us as earthly possessions and wealth do. He is the only thing we can count on with certainty.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:19-21
"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." -Proverbs 3:25-26
We should strive for the attitude of Paul:
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." -Philippians 4:12
And don't forget to help those who are suffering from the effects of these storms. If you can't help them personally, send money to the groups who are providing aid! How about the American Red Cross?
http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main
One lesson we can learn from this is how little faith we can put in earthly possessions. These possessions can be taken away quickly, with almost no warning.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." -Matthew 7:24-27
"Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." -Proverbs 23:5
We need to put our faith in God, who will not fail us as earthly possessions and wealth do. He is the only thing we can count on with certainty.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:19-21
"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." -Proverbs 3:25-26
We should strive for the attitude of Paul:
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." -Philippians 4:12
And don't forget to help those who are suffering from the effects of these storms. If you can't help them personally, send money to the groups who are providing aid! How about the American Red Cross?
http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main
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