January 9, 1996
My husband and I begin this year with a rest. For us, it is not only a new year, but a new beginning. Just over a year ago, my parents moved in with us; just three weeks ago, they moved into a residence for seniors.
All four made the transition with mixed emotions. My parents were excited yet apprehensive about another change in their lives. Would this new home be a place of rest, peace and security for them? Would they make new friends? Would their old friends visit them? Would their health continue to be stable? We hoped so.
Bob and I have a different adjustment. We are long-term tired. Although mom and dad are easy to get along with, being care-givers is time and energy consuming. A long rest is important right now. Not only do our bodies need it, so do our emotions and our souls. God did not intend that we stay on the fast track indefinitely. Rest is part of His plan for us.
God’s plan for rest considers high stress situations. When a wicked queen named Jezebel threatened the prophet Elijah, he ran several miles then fell under a tree utterly discouraged. He cried out to God but God did not respond with lofty revelations. Instead, He made sure Elijah was fed and had some sleep. After rest, God encouraged his spiritual life.
God’s plan also places work before rest. The Genesis account of creation says God worked for six days then rested on the seventh. He proclaimed this a special day for the people of Israel. They also worked six days and rested on the seventh.
The pattern changed slightly in the New Testament. The Scripture writers said the Sabbath days were a “type” or a shadow of a greater rest to come. After Jesus was crucified for our sins and rose again, people could enter His rest. Then they would “cease from their own work just as God did from His” and enjoy life in His kingdom.
This was a rest (and a kingdom) for both now and in the future. Anyone who labors to please God and then discovers “salvation is not by works of righteousness we do” but by “grace through faith” also discovers an inner rest in their soul. They no longer feel the stress of pointless behavior. In the future, they will also enter an eternal rest where they will enjoy God forever.
It seems New Testament Christians no longer held the seventh day as their day of worship. This external “shadow” Sabbath was swallowed up by its internal fulfillment. Because of their deeper, inner rest, believers began to celebrate the victory of Christ over the grave on the first day of the week, Sunday.
This placement in the week has a practical side. Many of us realize that our work and all that we do is blessed whenever we pray before we begin doing it. We realize that our week is blessed also — whenever we begin it with praise and worship. Starting with God brings renewed focus and commitment. We take time to ask for wisdom and grace for each coming situation.
Our hope is to begin the year with rest and worship. We want to praise God for His goodness in 1995 and renew our focus for the year ahead. We want to recommit our future to Him, asking for grace and wisdom in the multiplied choices that lie before us.
Whether others can take a vacation or not, we hope those who know and love God will start their year with Him. Resolutions are okay but depend too much on our own strengths. A commitment to follow and obey the Lord brings the added benefit of much higher resources!
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Friday, October 14, 2016
Friday, January 22, 2016
The Secret of Job Satisfaction ............. Parables 383
August 17, 1993
A fellow named Robert Orben once quipped, “Work is the recreation of the retired.”
Many retired people agree. Work is not always something you get paid for. They find themselves busier, even working harder, than when they were employed.
Neither is work always something we call “work.” Who hasn’t come home from a vacation to get some rest because they worked so hard enjoying themselves?
Most of us relish loafing but productive and even challenging work is usually more satisfying. We’d rather keep busy than be bored or feel useless. It is part of the way we are made.
In spite of that, it is not uncommon to complain about work. It can be either stressful, demanding, tedious, or difficult. But because work originated with God in paradise, it was not always a negative experience. Work actually became unpleasant because of sin. Prior to that, the first family enjoyed their tasks, made easy in a perfect environment. After they sinned, God banished them from the Garden of Eden “to work” and it would be hard work. He told Adam’s son, “When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you.”
Yet God, not sin, is responsible for hard work. He has the same opinion of bitter, difficult labor as we do — He calls it “bondage” (see Exodus 1:14).
In the beginning, Adam and Eve could take care of a large paradise. Yet after their sin occurred, one job can become too much. For instance, Moses overworked himself trying to lead the Israelites through the desert. God finally told him: “The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” Most of us would rather share our workload and certainly need to rest occasionally.
God had that in mind when He instituted the Sabbath: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.”
Workaholics find it difficult to rest, yet God considered a day of rest so important that anyone who put work above it should be “cut off from his people” (Exodus 31:14). Work without rest is too demanding.
Christian “work” can be demanding too. Paul said “We work hard with our own hands” and should “make it our ambition to lead a quiet life, mind our own business and work with our hands... so we will not be dependent on anybody.”
We must work hard, but not entirely for our own selves. Paul challenges us to “do something useful... that we may have something to share with those in need.”
All this implies that whether we work for a pay cheque or not, we can work as a labor of love for God. Even if we find ourselves engaged in the “recreation of the retired,” we can still consider the Lord our boss. The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, knowing you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ we are serving.”
Work done for Him, whether while fully employed and paid, or as a volunteer, or while retired, is the secret of job satisfaction.
A fellow named Robert Orben once quipped, “Work is the recreation of the retired.”
Many retired people agree. Work is not always something you get paid for. They find themselves busier, even working harder, than when they were employed.
Neither is work always something we call “work.” Who hasn’t come home from a vacation to get some rest because they worked so hard enjoying themselves?
Most of us relish loafing but productive and even challenging work is usually more satisfying. We’d rather keep busy than be bored or feel useless. It is part of the way we are made.
In spite of that, it is not uncommon to complain about work. It can be either stressful, demanding, tedious, or difficult. But because work originated with God in paradise, it was not always a negative experience. Work actually became unpleasant because of sin. Prior to that, the first family enjoyed their tasks, made easy in a perfect environment. After they sinned, God banished them from the Garden of Eden “to work” and it would be hard work. He told Adam’s son, “When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you.”
Yet God, not sin, is responsible for hard work. He has the same opinion of bitter, difficult labor as we do — He calls it “bondage” (see Exodus 1:14).
In the beginning, Adam and Eve could take care of a large paradise. Yet after their sin occurred, one job can become too much. For instance, Moses overworked himself trying to lead the Israelites through the desert. God finally told him: “The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” Most of us would rather share our workload and certainly need to rest occasionally.
God had that in mind when He instituted the Sabbath: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.”
Workaholics find it difficult to rest, yet God considered a day of rest so important that anyone who put work above it should be “cut off from his people” (Exodus 31:14). Work without rest is too demanding.
Christian “work” can be demanding too. Paul said “We work hard with our own hands” and should “make it our ambition to lead a quiet life, mind our own business and work with our hands... so we will not be dependent on anybody.”
We must work hard, but not entirely for our own selves. Paul challenges us to “do something useful... that we may have something to share with those in need.”
All this implies that whether we work for a pay cheque or not, we can work as a labor of love for God. Even if we find ourselves engaged in the “recreation of the retired,” we can still consider the Lord our boss. The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, knowing you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ we are serving.”
Work done for Him, whether while fully employed and paid, or as a volunteer, or while retired, is the secret of job satisfaction.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Working to relax ........................ Parables 074
We have a family quirk. When we go on vacation, or even plan a short time to relax, it is always preceded by a flurry of activity. We try to get our chores caught up and the loose ends of life taken care of so that it is easier to sit down. We have dubbed this “working real hard so we can relax.” And we laugh at ourselves.
There is a verse in the New Testament that says “...labor to enter into rest...” I’d never compared it to our “quirk” before, but looking at the larger picture, this working hard to rest does illustrate the Christian life.
First of all, the Bible is clear - no one is given eternal life because they work for it and therefore earn it: “Not by works of righteousness that we have done, but by His mercy He has saved us...” (Titus 3:5)
Instead, the work is a -result- of being changed by Him through faith: “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10).
The work a Christian does for their Lord is not to earn an eventual rest in heaven, but instead is part of the package. When Jesus Christ is invited into their lives, along with Him comes an assignment to live in a special way and to do certain work.
This work has the guarantee of the Lord’s enabling strength, grace, and help as we need it, but there is a danger - of becoming tired, discouraged, and fainthearted - then filling up with self-pity and quitting. Galatians 6:9 cautions: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 says: “Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Focusing on the fruit of our labors here and now helps us to keep going, working at what we are given without losing heart. It is like gardening. Weeding and thinning are a pain - but thoughts of the taste of home grown vegetables keeps that hoe moving.
The Christians promised rest comes later: “There is still awaiting a full and complete rest reserved for the true people of God.... therefore let us be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter into that rest...”
God never promised heaven on earth or results without effort. As I see it, our “family quirk” of looking forward to our mini-rests by working hard to be well-prepared for them, may not be such a bad idea after all.
There is a verse in the New Testament that says “...labor to enter into rest...” I’d never compared it to our “quirk” before, but looking at the larger picture, this working hard to rest does illustrate the Christian life.
First of all, the Bible is clear - no one is given eternal life because they work for it and therefore earn it: “Not by works of righteousness that we have done, but by His mercy He has saved us...” (Titus 3:5)
Instead, the work is a -result- of being changed by Him through faith: “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10).
The work a Christian does for their Lord is not to earn an eventual rest in heaven, but instead is part of the package. When Jesus Christ is invited into their lives, along with Him comes an assignment to live in a special way and to do certain work.
This work has the guarantee of the Lord’s enabling strength, grace, and help as we need it, but there is a danger - of becoming tired, discouraged, and fainthearted - then filling up with self-pity and quitting. Galatians 6:9 cautions: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 says: “Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Focusing on the fruit of our labors here and now helps us to keep going, working at what we are given without losing heart. It is like gardening. Weeding and thinning are a pain - but thoughts of the taste of home grown vegetables keeps that hoe moving.
The Christians promised rest comes later: “There is still awaiting a full and complete rest reserved for the true people of God.... therefore let us be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter into that rest...”
God never promised heaven on earth or results without effort. As I see it, our “family quirk” of looking forward to our mini-rests by working hard to be well-prepared for them, may not be such a bad idea after all.
Monday, January 6, 2014
What motivates me? ....................... Parables 063
WARNING: The following information is hazardous to the human “comfort zone.” It MAY produce defensiveness, excuses, and/or feelings of inadequacy and guilt. Please read with discretion.Robert Hyland was born in the 1920's. For the past 20 or more years he has worked from 2:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. six days a week. That is a 90 hour work week. He declares that he is not “some kind of nut”, but is very committed to his job, loves it even, and works so hard that he seldom notices the time or even when the sun come up.
John Wesley, born in 1703, died in 1791, founded the Methodist church. He knew ten languages and wrote 400 books - no doubt with a quill pen. He also preached 40,000 sermons and rode 250,000 miles on horseback to do it, averaging 20 miles a day for 40 years. He was grieved in later years because he developed a tendency to sleep past 5:30 a.m.
The apostle Paul traveled throughout the known world for over 30 years, most of it on foot, some by sea. He worked hard, was in prison frequently, flogged severely, and exposed to death again and again. He says in 2 Corinthians 11, “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger form my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food. I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches... I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.”
Ever wonder what motivates people to work like that, under those conditions? Is it the rewards received for what they do? Does their work give them pleasure or comfort? Or the money that will buy it? Or is there a desire for power, or fame and popularity, or at least recognition?
Hyland loves what he does. He says the pleasure of it motivates him, yet by his own admission, it is a competitive business world, and those who do not know how to work, will not survive. Beyond that, it is anybody’s guess why he drives himself as he does.
Wesley no doubt had a love for his job too, yet that many miles in a saddle is not always comfortable. Writing one book is hard work - never mind 400. His motives seemed to be for other reasons than the usual rewards.
The apostle Paul made no claim to earthly fortune, or fame, or power. He somehow found time to build tents to finance his travels, was not too popular but in fact frequently persecuted including physical abuse, and he considered himself a weak man, powerless without Christ. The usual things that drive a person to hard work seemed completely absent in his life. So why did he do it?
He explains in Ch.5 “...we know what it is to fear the Lord, (so) we try to persuade men... if we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For -Christ’s love compels us-, because we are convinced that One died for all... that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”
He simply did not have a personal motive. He knew that Christ died for his sins, and rose from the dead so that everyone who believed would have eternal life. Therefore, Paul became a servant of Christ, to tell others the same good news that he had been told. He did not care what it cost him. He was motivated by the love of God, love that is willing to make any sacrifice, give up any personal comfort. It is not for money, or self-glory, or power, but for the good of others, that they might live forever.
No further comment. It was as uncomfortable to write as it is to read.
Friday, January 3, 2014
The weather outside is frightful .................... Parables 062
Did you look out Tuesday morning, see what was happening, and reschedule a few things to stay at home? I did. Some schools closed for the day. Some people postponed medical appointments. I was asked if I would cancel an evening ladies meeting. It was tempting. But when I talked to my husband about it, he just said, “Hundreds of people had to go to work today.”
His remark made me remember how easy it is to become accustomed to comfort, and when difficulty arises, alter plans rather than enduring.
A local artist told me that he is very much aware of that tendency. He has learned to discipline himself to paint landscapes in any weather. He said that if he allowed bad weather to keep him from working, soon ANY weather would be bad.
This almost perfect spring weather lulled many of us right into our lawn chairs. Boots and heavy jackets have long been stashed in the back corner of the closet. But along comes a foot of snow, not too uncommon in Alberta, and it suddenly became difficult to do some things that were quite ordinary a few weeks ago. Frankly, I felt like going back to bed for the day.
The book of Proverbs really prodded me out of my lethargy. I remembered verses like “The lazy man will not plow because of winter; therefore he will beg during the harvest and have nothing” (20:4), and “the soul of the lazy person desires and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.” (13:4)
What does it take to get up and get going, in spite of adverse conditions? Sometimes it is hunger: “The person who labors, labors for himself, for his hungry mouth drives him on.” (16:26) (Good incentive)
Sometimes it is a sense of responsibility for others (27:23-27), or a desire for wealth (10:4), or for honor (10:5). Whatever it is, the Bible calls the diligent “wise” and the sluggard, one who will say “There is a lion outside, I will be slain in the streets,” is called a fool. (22:13)
Granted, there are some people without the ability to safely drive on icy roads. And sometimes there are genuine dangers that should be avoided. But there are times I have avoided work just because I did not want to be uncomfortable.
I wonder how successful that artist would be without his philosophy. And I wonder how much more I would accomplish if I did not allow snow, cold, rain, aching bones, and a vast number of inconveniences to slow me down?
My dad used to tease us when we were on our way somewhere. He would let us go a distance, call us, and when we stopped, he would ask, “How far would you have been if you hadn’t stopped?”
Interesting question, especially on days where it would be easier to crawl back into bed than go on.
His remark made me remember how easy it is to become accustomed to comfort, and when difficulty arises, alter plans rather than enduring.
A local artist told me that he is very much aware of that tendency. He has learned to discipline himself to paint landscapes in any weather. He said that if he allowed bad weather to keep him from working, soon ANY weather would be bad.
This almost perfect spring weather lulled many of us right into our lawn chairs. Boots and heavy jackets have long been stashed in the back corner of the closet. But along comes a foot of snow, not too uncommon in Alberta, and it suddenly became difficult to do some things that were quite ordinary a few weeks ago. Frankly, I felt like going back to bed for the day.
The book of Proverbs really prodded me out of my lethargy. I remembered verses like “The lazy man will not plow because of winter; therefore he will beg during the harvest and have nothing” (20:4), and “the soul of the lazy person desires and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.” (13:4)
What does it take to get up and get going, in spite of adverse conditions? Sometimes it is hunger: “The person who labors, labors for himself, for his hungry mouth drives him on.” (16:26) (Good incentive)
Sometimes it is a sense of responsibility for others (27:23-27), or a desire for wealth (10:4), or for honor (10:5). Whatever it is, the Bible calls the diligent “wise” and the sluggard, one who will say “There is a lion outside, I will be slain in the streets,” is called a fool. (22:13)
Granted, there are some people without the ability to safely drive on icy roads. And sometimes there are genuine dangers that should be avoided. But there are times I have avoided work just because I did not want to be uncomfortable.
I wonder how successful that artist would be without his philosophy. And I wonder how much more I would accomplish if I did not allow snow, cold, rain, aching bones, and a vast number of inconveniences to slow me down?
My dad used to tease us when we were on our way somewhere. He would let us go a distance, call us, and when we stopped, he would ask, “How far would you have been if you hadn’t stopped?”
Interesting question, especially on days where it would be easier to crawl back into bed than go on.
Friday, October 25, 2013
The work of the church is like football? ....................Parables 034
After attending the Calgary/Edmonton Labor Day football game, This analogy came to mind: “Christian work could be compared to a football game - 35,000 people who badly need exercise watching a couple dozen players who badly need some rest.”
I began to wonder if the analogy could be expanded. Why do some play while others prefer to sit and watch? Here are a few suggestions:
First, some people are more skilled than others. In sports that means the difference between winning and losing, so it only stands to reason that the players are the very best that management can find or afford.
But is it like this in the church? Do we have a mentality that says only the “more skilled” can effectively do the work of ministry, and the others who think they are less skilled should sit and watch? Christians who think this way have let the thinking of the (sports) world invade their theology. The Bible says that spiritual gifts are “given to everyone, to profit all,” and “those members of the body (of Christ) that seem to be more feeble are necessary,” not just to sit and cheer, but to use what they have to complete and complement the work of others.
Secondly, those in the playing field must exercise time and energy to become what they are, while those in the stands have other priorities. Certainly, not everyone can be a big league pitcher, or a hockey player, yet priorities are a major theme in Scripture. None of the commands in the Bible say anything like this, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, except of course if it cuts into what you want to do.” Or this, “Abstain from fleshly desires . . . unless you find it too difficult.”
Self-denial and hard work are the foundation for excellence in athletics. Certainly they have a key role in Christian ministry as well.
Thirdly, some spectators do not play because they simply don’t know anything about the game. In fact, no coach in his right mind would play a person that has never read the rule book, or never been in training camp.
Christians sometimes sit because they feel inadequate and ignorant too. In contrast, God says that we are “complete in Christ” and have all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1) We also have a “rule book,” the Spirit of God, and the example and encouragement of others who have gone before us for our instruction. Furthermore, the Lord promises wisdom to anyone who asks for it. (James 1) Ignorance and a sense of inadequacy are no excuses to sit and watch.
Another reason that some don’t play is that they prefer to coach from the sidelines. Listen at any game - most armchair quarterbacks, baseball players, and hockey fans know exactly how to call the plays, hit the home runs, and keep the opposition from scoring. Sadly, the same is true of many “armchair Christians.” They could preach a better sermon, give a better witness, teach a better class. They know all about how to do it. They just don’t do it.
Perhaps This analogy could continue. There are spectators who attend the games for a break in their routine, and there are those who go because they would like to play but are afraid to try. Others use sports to socialize, or to impress their colleagues.
Still others get a thrill from watching the action. Whatever the reasons, none of them are valid according to God’s game plan. The work of the church is successful only if everyone is involved, doing what they can at the level of skill that they have, motivated by a love for their Coach and a desire to please Him.
I began to wonder if the analogy could be expanded. Why do some play while others prefer to sit and watch? Here are a few suggestions:
First, some people are more skilled than others. In sports that means the difference between winning and losing, so it only stands to reason that the players are the very best that management can find or afford.
But is it like this in the church? Do we have a mentality that says only the “more skilled” can effectively do the work of ministry, and the others who think they are less skilled should sit and watch? Christians who think this way have let the thinking of the (sports) world invade their theology. The Bible says that spiritual gifts are “given to everyone, to profit all,” and “those members of the body (of Christ) that seem to be more feeble are necessary,” not just to sit and cheer, but to use what they have to complete and complement the work of others.
Secondly, those in the playing field must exercise time and energy to become what they are, while those in the stands have other priorities. Certainly, not everyone can be a big league pitcher, or a hockey player, yet priorities are a major theme in Scripture. None of the commands in the Bible say anything like this, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, except of course if it cuts into what you want to do.” Or this, “Abstain from fleshly desires . . . unless you find it too difficult.”
Self-denial and hard work are the foundation for excellence in athletics. Certainly they have a key role in Christian ministry as well.
Thirdly, some spectators do not play because they simply don’t know anything about the game. In fact, no coach in his right mind would play a person that has never read the rule book, or never been in training camp.
Christians sometimes sit because they feel inadequate and ignorant too. In contrast, God says that we are “complete in Christ” and have all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1) We also have a “rule book,” the Spirit of God, and the example and encouragement of others who have gone before us for our instruction. Furthermore, the Lord promises wisdom to anyone who asks for it. (James 1) Ignorance and a sense of inadequacy are no excuses to sit and watch.
Another reason that some don’t play is that they prefer to coach from the sidelines. Listen at any game - most armchair quarterbacks, baseball players, and hockey fans know exactly how to call the plays, hit the home runs, and keep the opposition from scoring. Sadly, the same is true of many “armchair Christians.” They could preach a better sermon, give a better witness, teach a better class. They know all about how to do it. They just don’t do it.
Perhaps This analogy could continue. There are spectators who attend the games for a break in their routine, and there are those who go because they would like to play but are afraid to try. Others use sports to socialize, or to impress their colleagues.
Still others get a thrill from watching the action. Whatever the reasons, none of them are valid according to God’s game plan. The work of the church is successful only if everyone is involved, doing what they can at the level of skill that they have, motivated by a love for their Coach and a desire to please Him.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Keep it weeded.................................Parables 005
We just received a seed catalog in the mail. Thoughts ran rapidly from planting seeds and watering them, to weeds. Ugh!
Thoughts of weeds were enough to put the catalog aside and postpone gardening for a few months, maybe indefinitely.
Weeding is tedious work. Besides, a couple of days of sleeping late and moving slow were beginning to dull my enthusiasm to do much of anything. Even the well-formed habit of early morning Bible reading and prayer was slipping. By 1 p.m. on Boxing Day, I had to force myself to go to the study and read the Scripture selection for the day.
“I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles covered the face . . . and the stone wall . . . was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well; I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall poverty come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” Proverbs 24:30-34.
Biblically, thorns and thistles speak of several things. One is God’s curse on the earth because of man’s sin (Genesis 3:17-19). Another is the cares of this world that choke a person’s spiritual life (Matthew 13:22).
With that, several principles of gardening came back to mind, especially weeding. Weeds take over my garden without any help from me at all. But the desired plants must be tended daily to produce fruit. That requires work.
So here I was, “taking a little sleep, and folding my hands,” slacking off in the tending of the garden of my soul. With no early morning weeding for one day, by that afternoon I was already more interested in personal pursuits, maybe even another nap, than spending time with my God and obeying Him. That is exactly the same attitude the seed catalog revealed. I am basically lazy.
What kind of harvest can a lazy Christian expect? Not much of the right kind. Sitting back and folding my hands only frees the weeds to do their thing.
God uses His Word to cultivate my heart. It reveals sin, corrects it, purifies, encourages, teaches truth, exposes lies, gives hope, builds faith, warns, comforts, and centers my heart on eternal values and on God. If I expect my life to be Christlike and fruitful for Him, I need the daily nurture of this marvelous resource.
When I neglect it, I leave my heart open for the weeds.
Thoughts of weeds were enough to put the catalog aside and postpone gardening for a few months, maybe indefinitely.
“I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles covered the face . . . and the stone wall . . . was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well; I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall poverty come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” Proverbs 24:30-34.
Biblically, thorns and thistles speak of several things. One is God’s curse on the earth because of man’s sin (Genesis 3:17-19). Another is the cares of this world that choke a person’s spiritual life (Matthew 13:22).
With that, several principles of gardening came back to mind, especially weeding. Weeds take over my garden without any help from me at all. But the desired plants must be tended daily to produce fruit. That requires work.
So here I was, “taking a little sleep, and folding my hands,” slacking off in the tending of the garden of my soul. With no early morning weeding for one day, by that afternoon I was already more interested in personal pursuits, maybe even another nap, than spending time with my God and obeying Him. That is exactly the same attitude the seed catalog revealed. I am basically lazy.
What kind of harvest can a lazy Christian expect? Not much of the right kind. Sitting back and folding my hands only frees the weeds to do their thing.
God uses His Word to cultivate my heart. It reveals sin, corrects it, purifies, encourages, teaches truth, exposes lies, gives hope, builds faith, warns, comforts, and centers my heart on eternal values and on God. If I expect my life to be Christlike and fruitful for Him, I need the daily nurture of this marvelous resource.
When I neglect it, I leave my heart open for the weeds.
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