333 Words

333 WORDS….

“You don’t have to work so much” is a truism for most. “You ought to work more” is a truism for few.

When you read the New Testament, what do you ‘see’? What’s in those pages?

Many see, not what is there, but what is assumed to be there. We read with SONglasses, having the effect of keeping the Son out and the accepted in. Let us look into the issue of work (in reference to wages or profit) with the intention of letting the Light in, to rule and shepherd our lives.

Ps.1:2: In His law (or word) he meditates day and night.

The next verse tells us such a person: shall be like a tree… that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

Other than the watch guard, whose chief responsibility is to pack his authoritative uniform with himself and look around, most have occupations requiring full attention. It’s hard for the dentist to meditate on the sayings of Christ while extracting a tooth.

Time should be valued and wisely allocated. Stuffing time with excessive work makes one less productive in matters of relevance. It’s true that Paul reprimanded “busybodies”, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”But it’s also true that….

Anna “did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” Paul worked, but not excessively. Peter fished and then he didn’t. Lord Jesus laid down his hammer and saw.

John the baptist could do what he did, and become who he was, because of his simple life. Perhaps our solution is simplicity. Less stuff requires less money…. requiring less work…. allowing more time to pursue Christ.

Becoming more like Him takes plenty of gazing time. Sometimes work is essential, but more often it is a hiding place…. from God.

“So what should I do?”

Do what you are doing until the Holy Spirit directs otherwise. And then obey.