Labor for God- 8/31/14

7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8nor 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. 9We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

11We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.

Thoughts: On this Labor Day weekend, it is good to recognize the importance placed on work in scripture.  Work is a spiritual experience.  It can keep us from idleness (which is "the devil's workshop" some say).  Yet work can also lead to workaholism, pride, focus on things and forgetting the blessing of God.  But when work is done right, it can glorify God.  This applies to students in school, or someone with a minimum wage job, or someone who is the CEO of a Fortune 500 company.  We need to recognize that God gives us and calls us to work.  We are called to support ourselves- if possible.  The curse of Genesis says, "By the sweat of your brow you shall till the land."  It may imply that before sin, work was not so burdensome.  But work is work now.  Yet we may redeem our work by doing it for a higher purpose.  God not only calls us to work, but calls us to account in our work.  This means work should be done with honesty, sincerity, with high standards and morality and as a means to give to the needy.  The needy on the other hand, should not simply take the hand out without making an effort to work themselves.  

Prayer: Lord, give me work to do, and may my work honor you.  

6/27/12- Colossians 3:23-24

²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  ²⁵ Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. (Colossians 3:23-25) 

(Working on handicap ramp and porch for GOoDWorks)


Thoughts: Today there will be a funeral for an elder at my church, Jack Barwick Jr.  He was a faithful man- married to the same woman 68 years, loved his God, his church, his family, his country.  He was 87 but still sent out emails to thousands with an inspiring quote or thought for the day that were too good to ignore/spam.  At 87 he was still doing the Lord's work, though he was slowing down.  I think he lived these verses.
    Today we will also have lots of folks going to out GOoDWorks Blitz.  This verse reminds us that when we are doing the Lord's work, it is not JUST for what we get here- it is ultimately for God who does not ignore what we do on this earth.
    These verses reminds us that what we do and how we do it matters, and is tied to eternity.  It is similar to the verse that says, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Gal. 6:9,10).  Or, "Be steadfast, unmoveable, always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Cor. 15:58).  What we do on this life fades unless it is tied to the Lord of eternity.  


Prayer: Lord, establish the work of my hands.  My my handi-work glorify you this day.