Thursday, April 2

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

Deuteronomy 21:1–22:30

Luke 9:51–10:12

Psalm 74:1–23

Proverbs 12:11

 

 

“He who works his land will have abundant food,

     but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.” (Proverbs 12:11)

 

 

In this verse, Solomon refers to the ongoing value of consistent, diligent effort and how God uses this as a vehicle for providing for the righteous man who follows God's wisdom.  Clearly, as in the Exodus-era desert, God may have instead chosen to rain down food from heaven as a means of showing His provision and love for His people.  Yet, Proverbs consistently hold up diligence as a key element of a righteous life.

 

What does the New Testament offer on these questions?  We understand from Acts 2:42-47 that the rally disciples pooled their resources and shared with those in need.  This charitable attitude has consistently followed the Gospel throughout the world.  Still, even Paul worked as a tentmaker so that his ministry might be unencumbered by the burden of seeking financial support from new believers or any controversies regarding his financial management.  Paul then chides the Thessalonians, who had “packed it in” related to work, in anticipation of Christ's imminent return.

 

Colossians 3:23,24 explains:  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Therefore, as we work in a “secular” context, we serve the Lord Jesus Christ through our diligence, giving work “spiritual” value.

 

For the Christ-follower, we live to honor God and to know Him more deeply.  As part of our daily mission, we work to provide for our families' needs, but this work should also reflect God's character within us.  If people find an inconsistency between our testimony as believers and our conduct, they will undoubtedly take notice.  It may turn them away from seeking God, which would be a great tragedy.

 

From my study of the Scriptures, I believe that the Christ-follower ought to work with excellence, humility, and integrity.  By “excellence,” I mean that we ought to apply our talents to expand God's glory, to create and bless as well as we are able.  Excellence means reaching our potential, by God's grace – to sound our proper notes in His symphony.  By “humility,” I mean that we offer thanks and praise to God for strengthening us for His purposes and to see ourselves as God's servants rather than vice-versa.  “Integrity” involves honoring your word and showing consistency with God’s principles and in your motivations.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God strengthens us to serve honorably, to His greater glory and for the good of His people.

 

The value and principles for “secular” work also apply to Kingdom mission.  Jesus gave His disciples and us the command to “go” – and, while we are going, to “make disciples.” (Matthew 28:16-20)  In Luke 10:1,2, Jesus refers to the “work” involved with the Kingdom mission: “He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field…. ’”  On the surface, we might take these words as encouragement that God will raise up someone else to serve in this work.  Yet, I believe strongly that each of us has a calling to “be about the Father’s business” in the Kingdom mission.  Just as we all have responsibilities as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, employers and employees, and teachers and students, we have the glorious privilege and responsibility of participating in the Kingdom mission of making disciples.  This process involves work of different kinds – from earnest prayer to sharing the good news of the Gospel to building others up with the truth of God’s Word.  It also simply involves encouraging our friends in Christ to persevere and to maintain an eternal perspective of trust in God.

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for endowing our lives with purpose as we co-labor with You in the Kingdom mission.  Thank You that our work may have meaning as we direct our service towards You.  Help us to honor You and to serve as worthy ambassadors for You in our workplaces, homes, and schools.  Give us insights into what You require from us as workers.  Give us a passion and hunger for Your Kingdom’s advance and a willingness to lay down our self-seeking priorities.  Thank You for loving us so deeply that You would give Your life for us, while we were yet sinners.  To You be all praise, honor, and glory forever.  In Your Name, amen.

 

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