Why Do I Work?
No work today. We only worked two days last week. I have proudly said to many that Chris, Julio, and I have not had a day without work since I started working with them last May. But I can no longer make that claim.
I was frustrated last week when I realized that I could no longer tell people that we had not missed a day of work for 9 months because of His provision. Driving home, I was angry because we have almost three months of work lined up but we cannot do any of it yet because we are waiting on permits, finalizing plans with the homeowners, and stuff like that, and I have bills to pay now that are already past due.
That’s when God spoke to me. He asked, “When have I not provided for you?”
How many times has God provided for me in awesome, miraculous ways and I forget and begin worrying again about work, money, or food? How many times do I need to be reminded of His goodness and His grace? Why do I have so much trouble waiting for what God will give in His perfect time?
Shame and remorse swirled in me, I was so vexed and focused on my despair that I didn’t even consider God’s goodness and mercy. But He gave me solace and refilled me with His Spirit.
This was a few days ago, and I have had some time to think it through. So, what is my purpose? Why do I work? Is it to make money? No, that would be striving. Is it for validation? No, that would be selfish pride. Isn’t work just another opportunity to witness His goodness and to live in His love and display His glory?
What am I called to do? Why do I wake up in the morning and roll out of bed? For if I am merely going through the motions of making and spending money, then it is all just vain strivings (1). My pride has so often been at the root of my frustration. I feel like the disciples asking Jesus if I am to be great in heaven (2). He answers me as I have already described, he humbles me and shows me my pride, thinking I deserve something greater than what He has already given me. He brings me to the place where I return to Him as a little child, innocent and trusting in Him.
This is what He desires for the Church to do continually and lead others to Him in the same way. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for such is the kingdom of heaven (3)”. Are not the those living in immorality, the haters, the thieves, the murderers, the haughty, the self-righteous also His children whom He loves? But like the disciples, we turn them away, saying they are not worthy.
Were any of us who call ourselves Christians worthy to receive righteousness? No, we were as the world whom we judge, but His blood covered even us (4).
The purpose for the Church is great. He has called us to love Him, to abide in His love, and to be love to the world. He has called us to live unto righteousness (5), to be holy (6), and to go boldly with strength and courage for through us he brings the kingdom of heaven to the world (7). Jesus was sent to preach the good news (8), so must we.
What is that good news? It is that God’s gift of eternal life with Him is for everyone (9)!
What an absolutely terrifying proposition! That we live our lives unto Him, for we are all well acquainted with our failings, our evil thoughts and desires and impulses. Should we keep our hands over our mouths to keep from speaking our hearts (10)? No, remember His promises! For God promises that He forgives, heals, and redeems us (11). He promises that He holds us up (12), that He gives us the strength, wisdom, speed, and endurance (13) that we need to accomplish His will. God promises that He may be glorified in all we do and say (14).
Remember also that we need to learn how to rely completely on Jesus and His strength now while we are in this time of mercy. God promises that all who desire to live a Godly life in Jesus Christ will be persecuted (15) just as they persecuted the prophets in the Old Testament (16).
I hope my example and these words are an encouragement to you.
Footnotes:
1- Ecclesiastes 1:14
2- Matthew 18:1
3- Matthew 19:14
4- Romans 3:9-26
5- Isaiah 42:6
6- 1 Peter 1:15-16
7- Joshua 1:6
8- Luke 4:43
9- Mark 16:15
10- Matthew 15:19
11- Psalms 103:3-4
12- Isaiah 41:10
13- Isaiah 40:29-31
14- 1 Peter 4:11
15- 2 Timothy 3:12
16- Matthew 5:12
posted by Casey Fabling @ 10:12 PM
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