If you believe in Lucky Number 7 then you may be disappointed with this morning’s post.
We are approaching the end of the list of the ten marks of a faithful life from 1st Thessalonians 2:1-13. For those of us who treasure the doctrines of grace, this is a timely reminder that the reception of God’s grace, and a commitment to live therein, always results in exertion of the mind, body and spirit for the glory of God. Here we go…
“For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:9
HARD WORK
Paul made it a priority in his life and ministry not to live in such a way that would be burdensome to others. On at least four occasions as he wrote those whom he served he highlighted his desire to be a giver and provider rather than a taker and receiver (2 Cor. 11:9; 2 Cor. 12:13-14, 16; 2 Thess. 3:8). We see this desire of Paul’s proven throughout the scriptural record of his life and ministry as he literally ran himself unto death, pursuing any opportunity to rescue fallen people and exalt his enthroned Savior. He was a sanctified whirlwind and I cannot find one occasion in the Bible where his approach to hard work was corrected. Festus told him that he was crazy but Christ told him that he was commissioned. This man was a horse saddled by the Son of God and his life was poured out as a drink offering on behalf of his King.
As I write the above words I’m getting a little nervous because I’m currently working on planning a vacation to the beach in June with my family. Paul lived in relentless exercise of his total being for the cause of Christ while I’m looking forward to white sands and blue waters with my precious three. Hmmmmm….
What does your faith cost you in the arena of your time and physical energy?
I’m not seeking an occasion for you to boast in your sacrifice, lest you lose your reward, but I do desire you to consider what your justified standing before God is costing you. Please don’t raise the objection of “it’s all of grace, brother”. I completely get that we are not justified by anything other than the meritorious work of Jesus Christ. I’m asking you what the Psalmist asked himself in Psalm 116:12, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?” We know that we have received unspeakable, priceless treasure through the grace of God and the life of Jesus Christ. My challenge is for us to consider how we are responding to such lavish blessing. Some would say, “I go to church. I invest a portion of my finances in Kingdom work. I pray each morning. I abstain from immorality.” I commend all of those activities but these are nothing more than the duties of all servants. Having done these we should only acknowledge what Jesus commanded in Luke 17:10 by saying “we are unworthy servants who have done that which is our duty.” I’m not asking you if you have risen to the level of doing your assigned duty – what glory is there in that? I’m having us to consider our labor of love to the Rescuer of our souls.
A man in his sixties recently remarked to me that he was afraid that his life wouldn’t count for anything significant. I know him well enough to discern that he was thinking that he had not lived in a worthy manner which would leave a lasting impact for his Lord once his life on earth was done. He was not depressed, self-pitying or performing a charade of humility. There was an admixture of hunger, concern and gravity in his eyes as he sensed the burden of God’s immense favor upon his life. He’s a successful businessman, a gifted teacher and a faithful servant over the two-plus decades he’s been saved. In his mid-sixties, he’s looking for open doors of further sacrifice and work for his King. May each of us petition God for that same spirit of enduring zeal. Let us endeavor to end life in an explosion of fire rather than a pile of rust. God owns our time and our bodies and our giftedness and our money. We cannot spend ourselves but we can certainly invest ourselves. Spending one’s self only provides something in a moment of time; an investment involves a release with, perhaps, no immediate return but always the promise of an enduring dividend. Jesus taught us to invest our lives now and the result would be an enduring treasure in Heaven. Sweat here and now, recline then and there. Deny yourself on earth so that He may reward your life upon arrival in glory. Cease from your complaining today and have hope to hear His affirming in the judgment. It is not enough for His glory that we are recipients of saving grace. He has invited us to participate in further manifesting His glory by engaging in lives marked with humility, sacrifice and hard, hard work.
I’m still planning that vacation in June. Lord willing, I’ll go, I’ll enjoy, I’ll return…and the Lyles will be refreshed for another glorious season of labor in the Lord’s vineyard. I am confident that I’ll see you there in the field also.