Is our work just for money? Are we living from clock in to clock in? Does everything we do from day to day mean anything? Are Pastors the only ones out there that do ministry for a living? These questions has been discussed many times by our generation but, it is important to remember even the remedial tasks are something the Lord is inviting us into.
Our Jobs are all about networks and connections. I used to have a ritualistic response to my mom when she would ask me about studying. As quick as I could respond I would say, "It's not about what you know mom, it's about who you know." Even though I was using this as an excuse to run from my responsibilities, there is an interesting element in this statement that is true.
In Ecclesiastes 9:10a says "whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..." God is inviting us to work, and to work well, for we have purpose in our work. If we read on though, in the second half of the verse (B) it says, “For there is no work, knowledge, planning or wisdom in the grave.” We have work to do on this earth and that creates fulfillment, and purpose.
In our work though we develop networks, networks that the gospel can be shared through. As I watch “The Poverty Cure Project” they discuss different solutions to help the worlds economic issues as a Church body. In the video they discuss a table and how so many people's hands have assisted in helping create the table, from the farmer, the man at the lumberyard, to the man who makes the saw blades that cuts the wood. "Every product is a result of collaboration" and we get the opportunity to engage in those collaborations. God invites us to combine the fruit of our labor with the skill of our bodies into finding meaning and purpose and the way, which with we can share the gospel, is through our work.
Networking is another term for these collaborations. Networking, when done commonly and often, creates a community and we as humans are made for community. C.S. Lewis, discusses how in a alternative version of hell there is a vision where everyone gets what they want, thus separating everyone miles apart in the tallest buildings with the most money, and people are thus separated. C.S. Lewis is breaking down that our flesh desires power and prestige, which when achieved desires simplicity and vulnerability. We are made to commune with others and that is how Jesus saw his church grow in acts. We also see this community modeled in the trinity. Dr. Steve Seamands says, "A reflection of the Trinitarian imprint is that we were made for community” even the Godhead has a community aspect to it. Community is how we survive and how we work.
Don't just look at work as something you do to survive. Work is something that gives us purpose and defines our lives meaning. Work helps us deliberate our callings and helps meet peoples needs. In that exchange the value is created.
So, what part of our work have we neglected because we see it as meaningless? And what can we do to change our mindset and find purpose in the small things?
How has a working community given you the opportunity to share the Gospel? Or with "fresh eyes" how can you now see how those doors have been open all along and how can you now actively step into those situations.
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