I love the Bible, I really do; but sometimes it sticks it's nose into areas of my life that I don't quite like. It gets too personal and exposes areas that I want to keep private, thank you very much! I don't mind it at all when the Bible explains to me that it is by faith I am saved, or tells me how the heavens declare the glory of God. I love the swashbuckling stories of David, and the lyrical poetry of his Psalms. I am often held spell-bound as I read the life of Jesus in the gospels, and anxious for Paul as he is thrown in jail again and again in the book of Acts. I even like wrestling with the theological paradox of God's Sovereignty vs. Man's Free Will that is scattered throughout all of scripture. But if you look closely, hidden in the dark recesses of the New Testament, there are some awfully knit-picky and pesky passages; when after reading them I feel rather offended and upset by what scripture wants from me. I want to raise my fist in rebellion after I read what the Bible commands me to do. Can't the apostles leave well enough alone? I don't like it at all when they expect me to actually keep a tight rein on my tongue, or demand that I watch over my thoughts with vigilant care. They even have the nerve to tell me where and with whom I can sleep with! But the one area in particular that seems like they have no business getting into, that should be completely off limits, concerns my everyday work-a-day world. What I do from 9-5, and how I do it, should not be any of God's business. How can he expect me to be a spiritual man during those boring, mundane, frustrating, and soul-killing hours of the day? It seems like when it comes to the area of work, he asks too much. For instance: * 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells me that "whatever I do, do it all for the glory of God." How can flipping burgers be done for God? And not just that, but this verse makes it sound like I need to work hard all the time - - that would completely spoil the fun of calling in sick when I want to go fishing. Talk about a buzz kill. * 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 says I should be content with living a peaceful and quiet life, and I should enjoy simply "working with my hands." B-o-r-i-n-g! What happen to drive, ambition, making a name for myself, and wanting to be famous? Oh no, work hard and be boring. No wonder the Bible was loved by the rich land owners back in the 14th and 15th Centuries, it was a great whip to keep the peasants in-line: "Work hard you rabble, that is your lot, and there you will stay - - so says God!" But the one verse that is like a complete punch in the gut, where I know I have every right to be offended by, is 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Just listen to it and you will see what I mean: "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule (command): 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat.'" Am I supposed to take this serious? I live in a country that takes pride in not asking people to work. Is it wrong to want to be laid off so I can collect un-employment and enjoy my long winters hunting and driving my RV down to Florida? Why get a job when the only ones available are so beneath me? God cares about our work, he really does. In fact, our work is the primary way God wants to reveal himself and bless others through our life. How you work, and the attitude you take in your work, speaks volumes to a watching world. I really think Christianity has gotten it all wrong for the past 100 years. We have separated evangelism from everyday life. We think "outreaches and evangelist crusades" are the only way to convince people God exists. The truth is, a person who works hard, finds great delight in even doing the mundane tasks, who provides excellent workmanship, knowledge and skill on the job is declaring the greatness of God. I once was told, "As Christians God has given us his grace so we can do 'Humble jobs with dignity and dignified jobs with humility.'" Maybe people are not interested in Jesus because most Christians are just as miserable to work with as the average guy? They are just as lazy and critical? They are looking for a handout just as much as the next guy? I even think it is worse than that: I have found Non-Christians often work harder and find delight in what they are doing while many Christians are just waiting to be rescued by the rapture while their work slips because they see no use in it. You want to be a witness for Jesus and a blessing to others? Work hard, even when no one is watching. And if you do, God will use you!
4 Comments
Chandy
1/2/2015 02:27:23 am
Love this, Chris. I think I will re-read this frequently through-out the year. Encouraging and convicting at the same time.
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Chris
1/2/2015 06:26:27 am
chandy, thanks for reading. I am glad it blesses you. I try to make my work helpful!
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jeremy curtis
1/2/2015 03:43:54 am
This is great pastor Chris, thank you.
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Chris
1/2/2015 06:26:46 am
you are more than welcome!
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