Meaningful work

“Every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:13 BSB)

I have not had a paycheck for over two decades now. I’ve spent most of my adult life taking care of my family and home--cooking, cleaning, driving, grocery shopping, homeschooling, volunteering, etc. I tie up loose ends so that things don’t come unraveled. My job doesn’t come with a title, office,  promotion, raise, insurance, or retirement benefits. From a worldly perspective, I am not gainfully employed.

Meaningful work is one of the greatest privileges a person can have. It is easier to feel purposeful when you have a job that pays well, garners respect, and noticeably improves people’s lives. Most jobs are difficult, but work that feels pointless can be particularly draining.

The ability to find satisfaction in your work is a gift from God. No matter what you do, it can be meaningful when viewed through the lens of serving God’s purpose. A life committed to the Lord is never useless.  Your work might be unpaid and unappreciated. Yet, as long as you devote your days to serving God in everything you do, your work is meaningful; your life is worthwhile.

Disapproval

“There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 NLT)

When my son was a young child, I used ‘time-outs’ as a form of discipline. When he had done something wrong, I would tell him to go sit down and think about what he had done. My hope was that this would encourage him to change his inappropriate behavior in the future. I’m not sure how well this worked. I was just copying the popular parental techniques of the time. Fortunately, my son has developed a sense of right and wrong, despite my ungracefulness.  

Although disapproval is frequently used as a form of motivation, it rarely brings about lasting transformation. Those who crave the approval of others may temporarily change their behavior in front of people. However, the condemnation of others does not cause a shift in an individual’s internal sense of morality.

The powers of darkness influence humanity to accuse, coerce, and manipulate each other. We make others feel bad in order to make them think and act in ways we prefer. This is what we learned from our ancestors, and we continue this practice. In contrast, the Spirit of God advocates for us--defending, upholding, and enabling us. Under His guidance, we can learn to support and encourage each other to grow in everlasting ways.

Boasting on the Cross

“As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died.” (Galatians 6:14 NLT)

Human beings have always tried to understand God. Since their motives and approaches are varied, their interpretations are also diverse. Many world religions have tried to codify God in order to get into His good graces:  How can we appease God, so that He isn’t angry with us? What can we do to prevent punishment in the form of calamities and afflictions? These questions became part of man’s attempt to cajole God and to finagle grace. Societies discovered that adding moral rules to the understanding of God can be a useful tactic in maintaining social order. Pleasing others and conforming to cultural patterns thus became conflated with religion. Prosperity and well-being became equated with God’s favor on those who were faithful. Thus, spiritual pride seeped in along with status seeking.

Christianity, at least initially, sought to change the script. The Apostle Paul admonished us to take pride in nothing but the cross of Christ. The cross represented liberty from self and the world. Christ’s sacrifice revealed a different sphere, a higher perspective. Humanity’s bondage to the pursuits of worldly comforts and concerns was broken. Complete identification with the cross brought about significant transformation: those who are committed to Christ are numb to worldly interests. Likewise, the world’s interest in them will also fade. Grace is free, yet devotion to Christ is costly. Earthly insignificance is the price.

Balloons and Crosses

“I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” (I Corinthians 4:19-20 ASV)

When I am feeling good about myself, it feels like I am carrying a brightly colored balloon. Anything that makes me feel worthy at the moment--abilities, personal accomplishments, validation from others--all contribute to my confidence. I often fail to recognize this sense of buoyancy as a form of pride.  

If someone comes along and pokes my happy balloon with a pin, I feel deflated. My immediate reaction is to retaliate, to burst their balloon as well. It doesn’t bring back what I lost, but it seems fair that the person who makes me feel miserable should experience the same emotion. Just as we use praise to puff up those we want to please, we also employ sharp words, criticism, sarcasm, and disappointment to prick the egos of those we want to deflate. This is human nature.

God’s way is different. It is not about carrying around ego balloons puffed up by pride. The symbol of God’s power is the cross. Those who follow Christ cling to the cross; they have no space in their lives for arrogance. The cross is impervious to humiliation--for it already represents submission. The cross cannot be pricked by sharp criticism--for it expresses love beyond words. The cross cannot be disgraced--for it is the sign of ultimate grace.

Good Stewards

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1 Corinthians 4:1 ESV)

Rhodium is one of the rarest and most valuable precious metals. Due to its resistance to corrosion, it has many industrial uses. Rhodium extraction is a complex process. Managing a mine with such a valuable commodity is a huge responsibility.

“It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” (1 Corinthians 4:2 NASB)

The mysteries of God are rare and precious. As stewards of God we are called to be managers of a complex mine of treasured truths. We are responsible for the extraction, processing, and distribution of these sacred revelations. We must clearly relay instructions from our Master to the other laborers. In order to be good stewards it is essential that we remain dedicated, diligent, and trustworthy.

Religious Rules

“When Christ died he took that entire rule-dominated way of life down with him and left it in the tomb, leaving you free to ‘marry’ a resurrection life and bear ‘offspring” of faith for God.” (Romans 7:4 MSG)

In Biblical times, the “Law” referred to religious rules and regulations. The Jewish people functioned daily by a set of rituals. Christ sacrificed Himself. We no longer have to be under the weight of religious rule-keeping. We are free to commit to Christ and be fruitful in Christ.

How does this work?

We get away from the old habit of focusing mainly on keeping up with religious rules. We realize God’s Grace is NOT something we earn through good deeds, attending church services, practicing religious rituals, or saying certain prayers. There is no ‘I should do this’ or ‘I shouldn’t do this.’ Nothing is done through a sense of obligation, a fear of punishment, or a desire to avoid hell and get into heaven. Instead, our relationship with God is driven purely by a desire to have intimacy with Him. Everything in life becomes motivated by a deep craving to get closer to God today, to know Him better today, to please Him today.

Home

“Lord, through all the generations you have been our home!” (Psalm 90:1 NLT)

In many Persian Gulf countries, the majority of the population is comprised of migrant workers. They are given work visas for only a few years.  They are not allowed to have the rights or status of a citizen, no matter how long they live in these countries. Thus, most migrant workers do not invest much in the Gulf countries. They build houses and deposit their money in bank accounts back in their home countries. They know that where they work is not their permanent home; they realize that they will eventually have to return to their countries of origin. In contrast, most other developed countries allow legal immigrants to eventually apply for citizenship, own property, etc. This encourages immigrants to invest in homes and businesses in their new country. In time, they become more and more assimilated and start thinking of this new place as home.

“This world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Hebrews 13:14 NLT)

We are sojourners, foreigners, and migrant workers in this world--not permanent residents. We become so assimilated that we don’t even remember that our home is with God and not on this earth.  Putting everything we have into this world is foolish. We must think ahead and look forward to what is yet to come. Invest in our home, which is with God.