CRCF\u201d\u201d9-5-10
\nLabor Day<\/p>\n
The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City
\non September 5, 1882.
\n20,000 workers marched in a parade up Broadway
\ncarrying banners that read:
\n“LABOR CREATES ALL WEALTH.”
\n“EIGHT HOURS FOR WORK,
\nEIGHT HOURS FOR REST,
\nEIGHT HOURS FOR RECREATION!”
\nThis was the desired goal for all American workers.
\nAfter the parade was over, picnics were held all over the city.
\nCelebrants ate Irish stew,
\nhomemade bread and apple pie.
\nWhen evening came, fireworks were set off.
\nAnd over the next few years,
\nthe idea spread from coast to coast.
\nAll states began to celebrate Labor Day.
\nIn the year 1894 Congress voted it a federal holiday
\n–a day set aside to celebrate the value and dignity of work.<\/p>\n
But we live in a world that, more often than not, adopts THIS mindset (\u201cHard Work\u201d Slide).<\/p>\n
And, if we\u201d\u2122re honest, even we, as followers of Jesus, have the same mindset.<\/p>\n
We\u201d\u2122re about to see that Jesus is interested in the work we do and how we do it!<\/p>\n
ME<\/p>\n
I\u201d\u2122m thankful to have the ability to work and to be currently employed\u201d\u201dit really IS a blessing in today\u201d\u2122s economy!
\nBut I need to be reminded of God\u201d\u2122s perspective on my work fairly often.<\/p>\n
YOU<\/p>\n
Do you go through the work week with God\u201d\u2122s perspective on your work?<\/p>\n
You may be thinking, \u201cI didn\u201d\u2122t know God even HAD a perspective about my job!\u201d<\/p>\n
GOD<\/p>\n
Work was God\u201d\u2122s idea and was given as a gift to humanity before Adam\/Eve sinned.
\nGenesis 2:15 (NLT)
\n15 The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.
\nLaziness and failure to work are addressed strongly in the Bible:
\n2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (NLT)
\n10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: \u201cThose unwilling to work will not get to eat.\u201d
\n11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people\u201d\u2122s business. 12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.
\nWho Do You Work For?
\nEphesians 6:5-9<\/p>\n
We are to show the world Who we worship by how we work.<\/p>\n
As we read these verses, I want to point out that Paul is teaching the Ephesians how to live a life controlled by the Holy Spirit. All of this goes back to . . .
\nEphesians 5:18 (NLT)
\n18 Don\u201d\u2122t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.
\nVERY PRACTICAL\u201d\u201dchanges the way we live life!<\/p>\n
We are to show the world Who we worship by how we work.<\/p>\n
Eugene Peterson<\/p>\n
We must take the good news \u201cinto our lives in such a way that it gets metabolized into acts of love and becoming like Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ephesians 6:5-9 (MSG)
\n5-8Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.
\n9Masters, it’s the same with you. No abuse, please, and no threats. You and your servants are both under the same Master in heaven. He makes no distinction between you and them.
\nWe are to show the world Who we worship by how we work.
\nAndrew Carnegie
\nThe average person puts only 25 percent of his energy and ability into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50 percent of their capacity, and stands on its head for those few and far between who devote 100 percent. (Swindoll, 319)
\nHow often do we look more like this in our efforts at work? (Percentages Per Day Slide)
\nWe are to show the world Who we worship by how we work.
\nYOU
\nWhat\u201d\u2122s your motivation as you work?<\/p>\n
Our world says it\u201d\u2122s ALL about MONEY. Now, it IS about money to some extent\u201d\u201dand that\u201d\u2122s part of God\u201d\u2122s design.<\/p>\n
But there\u201d\u2122s far more to work for followers of Jesus!<\/p>\n
Gordon Dahl<\/p>\n
Most middle-class Americans tend to worship their work, to work at their play, to play at their worship. As a result, their meanings and values are distorted. Their relationships disintegrate faster than they can keep them in repair, and their lifestyles resemble a cast of characters in search of a plot. (Swindoll, 621)
\n1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)
\n31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.<\/p>\n
Ronnie McBrayer<\/p>\n
Too many times we who stand behind pulpits or travel to the \u201cmission field\u201d (whatever that means) monopolize the market on doing God\u201d\u2122s work. But everyone \u201d\u201c everyone \u201d\u201c has opportunity to do the work of God.
\nWe are to show the world Who we worship by how we work.
\nWhat about BAD bosses? Surely we\u201d\u2122re off the hook on working like this for them, right? WRONG!
\n1 Peter 2:18-25 (NLT)<\/p>\n
18 You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you\u201d\u201dnot only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.
\n21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
\n22 He never sinned,
\nnor ever deceived anyone.
\n23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted,
\nnor threaten revenge when he suffered.
\nHe left his case in the hands of God,
\nwho always judges fairly.
\n24 He personally carried our sins
\nin his body on the cross
\nso that we can be dead to sin
\nand live for what is right.
\nBy his wounds
\nyou are healed.
\n25 Once you were like sheep
\nwho wandered away.
\nBut now you have turned to your Shepherd,
\nthe Guardian of your souls.
\nWe are to show the world Who we worship by how we work.
\n1 Peter 4:19 (NLT)
\n19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.
\nEven in tough work environments\u201d\u201dand maybe, especially in tough workplaces– we are to show the world Who we worship by how we work.
\nWE<\/p>\n
Think about the impact that we could have in our workplaces and throughout our community if we consistently showed the world Who we worship by how we work.<\/p>\n
As we get ready to come to the Lord\u201d\u2122s Table, realize that your job is a key avenue for showing the world what Jesus\u201d\u2122 death and resurrection are really worth!<\/p>\n
So as you come to the table, use this time to refocus your perspective on your job and to ask God to strengthen you to work in a way that will show Who Jesus is!<\/p>\n
Celebration of the Lord\u201d\u2122s Supper<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CRCF\u201d\u201d9-5-10 Labor Day The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882. 20,000 workers marched in a parade up Broadway carrying banners that read: “LABOR CREATES ALL WEALTH.” “EIGHT HOURS FOR WORK, EIGHT HOURS … Continue reading