Work!

Work!

‭Acts 20:35 NIV‬

[35] In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

There is an inner conviction that is made manifest by outward profession. That which I believe is evidenced by that which I do. This is the background to the verse above, where Paul addressed the elders of the church in Ephesus for the last time. There appears to be a generation of believers who feel entitled to resources simply by faith, but would not work at all to maintain or uphold the resources. We seem to think that having faith in God completely absolves us of having to work at all, and we can simply get by with just believing in the God of abundant provision. We ask God for increase, and then we sit and fold our arms, expecting the manna to fall somehow. While God is the One who sustains whatever He ordains, there is a responsibility I have to ensure that there is something in my hand that God can increase. 

My 0 effort multiplied by God's 100 will always amount to 0. It is also important to note that it is not the effort that comes first, because there is no way my effort can earn God's approval, without the foundation of faith being laid right. It is on faith and the great works of faith are best laid. My life's profession becomes the proof of my confession of faith. Paul was a living proof of this position, as he worked as a tent maker while also preaching the gospel. His life was an example that all of us today must emulate, so that the gospel of Christ can be backed up with the right templates to emulate. Can God count on me to be the right version that reflects who He is? 

The other part of the verse above also links working hard to helping the weak. It is an interesting connection, and it appears to me that my work is not so much about my benefit only, but so that I can be a blessing to another person. All around me are needs; I am not sent to the entire world at the same time, but there would always be the one person who needs help at a particular time. Part of my work is to impact lives by the things I have received. I know quite clearly that whatever is placed in my hands is not really mine to dispense as I please, but to use to the glory of God. From the perspective of Jesus, it is more blessed to give than to receive. By giving, I make room for more to come. By giving, I share the heart of Jesus to the world, and make Him known. After all, He already gave the greatest gift possible; I must strive to be like Him, and to be a blessing to the world. Would you do the same? God's time of favour is here.