HOW DO YOU FEEL? (part-04)

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WORK AND ITS REWARDS?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“Even while we were still there with you we gave
you this rule: ‘He who does not work shall not eat.’”
(2 Thessalonians 3:10)

MEDITATION:
A fairly recent generation had a thirst for working hard. They
took pride in their work and in order to provide for their family,
they would settle for any job that provided an income. They had
a feeling of responsibility for finding a job and a good feeling of
accomplishment when they found one. Some worked in coal mines
even with the threat of a cave in and the possibility of developing
black lung.

However, we live in a world of entitlements these days. Many feel they
are entitled to receive money and other material things without putting
forth any effort. We could speculate the reason for this kind of attitude,
but regardless of the reason, there are many who want benefits with no
effort.

This type of attitude carries over into the spiritual realm. Many people
want Christ, but without any associated responsibilities. A person who
genuinely surrenders their life to the Lord develops a change in attitude
toward work.

They know that Jesus was not a drop-out. He was a carpenter Who worked
hard with his hands. As a Christian matures spiritually, their desire to work
encompasses working for the Lord. The apostle Paul dedicated himself to
serving the Lord, but he supported himself at the same time by making tents.

A Christian realizes that whatever he does is done unto the Lord.
    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.
    (Colossians 3:23-24)

He or she also realizes that as a believer,
they have a responsibility to work for the Lord.
    Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.
    Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully
    to the work of the Lord, because you know that your
    labor in the Lord is not in vain.
    (1 Corinthians 3:23-24)

Believers should do their best at whatever job they have
(including the Lord’s work). They should be dedicated,
faithful, clean, pure, honest and trustworthy.

ACTION:
Does God need to have our participation in order to continue His
earthly ministry? He is omnipotent, so He can do what He wants
to do in His own strength, right? Then the reason He wants us to
be a part of His earthly ministry would have to be for our benefit
to, wouldn’t you agree?

God is marching forward to fulfill His desire that no person will be
spending eternity in hell, and He is recruiting spiritually dedicated
Christians to march with Him. God equips us to be a His ‘soldiers’
and He wants us to volunteer to join His army in reaching lost souls.
    The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some
    understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you,
    not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come
    to repentance.
    (2 Peter 3:9)

Those who have a sincere desire for the lost to be saved, will enlist in
His army because they know that when they are working with the Lord,
are under His command, and are using the equipment He has provided,
they will grow closer to the God and acquire the fellowship with Him that
everyone wants (or should want) if they are honest with themselves.
    Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set
    on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance
    with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
    (Romans 8:5)

    For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the
    Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with
    each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
    (Galatians 5:17)

Have you assumed the proper responsibilities in your life? Do you
actively work in order to attain the things you want, or are you guilty
of looking for a handout?

How about in the spiritual realm? Are you actively serving the Lord
in some capacity? Do you have a burning desire to discover and use
the Spiritual gift God gave you when He saved you? We were not
given a Spiritual gift from the Lord to collect dust. God gave us His
gift to enjoy using effectively in serving Him.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your salvation.
As a member of Your family, remind me of my responsibilities
on earth and in the spiritual realm of serving You. Forgive me
if I have assumed that once I have been saved, I have no other
responsibilities to work for You and Your ministry. Show me my
Spiritual gift, teach me how to use it, and encourage me in my
attempts to use it. Thank You for teaching me that work is a
blessing.”

BLOG: utvolwoody.com