The Work of God

Our lives are filled with housework, schoolwork, busywork, paid-work, volunteer work, scut-work, paperwork…there is hardly any time left for God’s work. What if everything we did was God’s work? What if we were God’s employees 24/7? Every move we make would have to be under His direction. We would always be about HIS business.

I imagine it would be similar to working on a Navy submarine.

“At sea, the typical submarine day is 18 hours long, not 24 hours. Submarine crews are divided into three watch sections. Each section is on duty (on watch) for 6 hours, and then spends 12 hours off watch. When on watch, the crew members are actively operating their assigned equipment. Under special conditions, such as battle stations and when entering or leaving port, everyone has a watch station. Crew members who are off-watch eat, attend training sessions and study, both for advancement examinations, and in order to become qualified to stand other watch-stations. Others may perform routine preventive maintenance on the equipment that they are responsible for.” (http://usmilitary.about.com)

 

Wonder what would happen if a few sailors on a submarine decided to do their own thing, on their own schedule? Chaos and disorder would disrupt the mission.

The Bible explains what happens when we slack off when we should be on watch:

“Then he (Jesus) returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mark 14:37-38 NLT)

Christians are called to be constantly on-watch. We may take turns at each station while the others rest, but even during our off-time we must be alert and ready. Our purpose for being here is clear. We know for whom we work. Our motto should be Non sibi sed Deus—Not for self, but for God.