Work

Scripture:

“To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” Col 1:29

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”  Phil 4:13 NLT

Reflection:

The second law of thermodynamics states that if left to its own devices, everything in the universe moves toward disorder and decay. Cars will rust, buildings will deteriorate, and trees will grow old and die. Unfortunately, this natural world is designed to move from an ordered state to a disordered state. This process, called entropy, is a process if I am to be honest, my wife hates. OK, I guess we would all like for our offices, workbenches, or backyards to stay ordered and tidy, at least for a while, but we all know that they just don’t. The good news is that we do have a future hope that Heaven will be orderly and without decay! PTL

There is a part of me that wishes that when we became followers of Jesus, this process of disorder and decay just stopped. It would be great if when we became a follower of Jesus, we would never have to add oil to the car, we would not have to replace the boards on the deck, and the house maintenance projects would end. Think of all the time and frustration we would save not having to maintain the stuff of everyday life.

Yet, if God did this for us now, would we remain appreciative of his work after a year or two? It would not take very long for what is being done for us would slide into the category of  “life as normal.” Kind of like the miracle of the sun warming the earth and the fresh air we breathe each and every day.

God did some pretty amazing miracles for the children of Israel as they exited Egypt. It didn’t take them very long to find things to complain about. I really believe that if we are going to appreciate anything in this life, it will require us to work for it. This world requires work. It is a fundamental principle of God’s design for this world. The good news, [other than the good news of the gospel being the one thing that does not require us to work at all, and is 100% by grace], is that the work we are required to do, if we do it the way that God would intend, requires us to rely on His strength and His help.

If everything was done for us, we wouldn’t need to know that quiet energy that helps us through our days. The apostle Paul describes it as all “His energy that so powerfully works within me!” Paul also declares that in the struggles of life, he knew what it was to be in need, and he knew what it was to have plenty. He learned the secret of being content in all situations, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. He confidently stated, “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Phil.4:13

There is a quiet energy that we have in Christ at our disposal. For even if “our flesh and our heart fail, God is the strength of our heart and our portion forever.” … “So do not fear, for He is with you; do not be dismayed, for He is your God. He will strengthen you and help you; He will uphold you with His righteous right hand.” Though this world is falling apart, we have a God that strengthens us day by day, and for that, I am truly grateful…even when I’m doing the seemingly endless daily maintenance of those things that forever seem to fall apart.

Grateful for His strength that is given each day!

David