Oct 24 2023 From Thought to Action: Chapter 26
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Before we begin, remember…making disciples can be as easy as reading a chapter of The Four Priorities and discussing it with someone else. This blog series is designed to supplement your journey. Feel free to take what you need and leave the rest! And remember, please share this post with your disciple so they can subscribe, too!
KEY QUOTES from Chapter 26: Work
- Work is a gift from God, a means by which we reflect His image, not a product of sin.
- Honest daily labor is a reward unto itself. It has very little to do with the size of the paycheck, although that can be a worthy motivation. The reward is the God-given capacity to experience joy (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19).
- A pure motive for work:
- It should be useful to society.
- It should glorify God.
- It should be moral.
- It should provide for the needs of the family.
- It should use God-given talents.
- It should provide a means to help the poor.
REFLECT:
- What are your main motivations for work? Look at Colossians 3:23-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-15, Ephesians 4:28 which all talk about work.
- Do you think the Bible’s motivations for work are the same or different as your own?
- How does your work benefit yourself/ your spouse or your significant other/ your children/ your friends/ your coworkers/ your community/ God?
- For further study, read Garden City by John Mark Comer.
PRAY: We have a tendency to overcomplicate things – especially our prayers! One way to simplify your prayer life is to pick two phrases or truths from scripture and attach them to your breath pattern. As you inhale, internally say the 1st phrase. As you exhale, say the 2nd phrase.
INHALE: Let my work and attitude
EXHALE: be something that brings You glory
MEMORIZE: Take this week to memorize Colossians 3:23-24 with your household. Write it on a sticky note to place on your car dashboard, your bathroom mirror, or wherever you will view it often.
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
WORSHIP: Listen to this song called Whatever Your Plan Is by Josie Buchanan.
TABLE TALK:
Name one thing you do at home that makes you feel proud of yourself. It could be a skill like cooking a tasty meal, or it could be something you do for the sake of the household, like raking leaves or washing dishes. Whatever job makes you feel proud, say, “God created me to__________. When I __________, I’m helping my family and I’m partnering with God.”
Prayer: “God, thank you for making me the way I am. Help me see the importance of the work I do at home today. Help me see the work of those around me today. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
TEACH/PLAY:
Check out this book, Theology of Work for Kids for more ideas! From Amazon.com: “This 28-day family devotional connects the Bible to the everyday work children and parents do. Through daily Scripture readings, relatable stories about kids and adults, guided reflection, and discussion and prayer, families will learn how to work together and how to work with God. The book includes an activities section with discussions of related books and movies, suggestions for field trips, and activities to try at home.”
- Remember: We are in Priority 4 which is a personal, progressive commitment to the work of Christ in the world. This means we focus on reaching those who don’t know Christ and we cultivate a compassionate heart for people in need.
- While in this world, chances are a majority of our time will be spent at work. Therefore, we have a great opportunity to reach others in and through our work week – it’s a platform for us to impact others for Christ.
- Meditate on Colossians 3:23-24 and evaluate how heartily you are working. Ask the Lord to show you opportunities to use your work (whether it’s in the home, in an office, or in a virtual team) to glorify Him by meeting the needs of others.
- “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
That’s it for Chapter 26!
Now…go! And make disciples!