September 2, 2012

Work is good. This is my title of today’s message and I will examine several scriptures that describe work. I will start with Genesis and cultivating the garden, include Solomon’s wisdom from Ecclesiastes, and focus on Paul’s remarks to the II Thessalonians. Work is defined as physical or mental effort or activity directed toward the production or accomplishment of something. With this definition it is clear that every living human has work to do. All of us have the opportunity to work for the kingdom of God. Ephesians 4 Great chapter, written by Paul from a prison cell, encouraging the believers in Ephesus, where he planted a church, to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” He reminds them that God has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers – “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” All the saints, the members of the body of Christ are called and equipped for “the work of service” – unpacking this phrase would be a good study. In verses 17-24 Paul admonishes the readers to set aside their former life, illustrated by the condition of those who live apart from God “because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.” This could be a good way to describe people who are not working for the kingdom of God. It would seem to be easy to slip into a lifestyle of greed and indulgence, where pleasure is the goal, and focused effort directed toward the production or accomplishment of something erodes into sensuality. Therefore, Paul uses this transition at verse 25 to describe the different life he expects from followers of Christ: laying aside falsehood, speaking the truth, no longer steal, but getting an honest job so you can help others who cannot work (laying up treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt.) He concludes this chapter with this strong directive: “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Yes Lord! A great reminder for all your children – to be kind to one another, forgiving each other. Yesterday I purchased Shame-Less Lives, Grace-Full Congregations by Karen McClintock who was our leader at the boundaries seminar. The title is great, and I believe she has a gift to give the church in how to be kind to one another, forgiving each other. So, my conclusion today is to shift from the focus of the company store and the domination of the employer, to orienting our days, nights, efforts, investments, energy and hope toward God’s coming kingdom, the work He calls us to, and the reality that this will all pass away, but eternity is real. One way we keep this focus sharp is through holy communion. St. Peter when you call me I am ready to go, I’ve been working today for the kingdom of God. Building up the body of Christ. Putting my treasure in heaven (Mat 6:20)