Happy Labor Day! Every year I get to write a devotion on
this holiday, since it is always on Monday… (have done for 12 years…) And it is
such a simple day to write on when we celebrate the contributions of workers!
Obviously over the years we have brought up one of the most common “labor”
verses in the Scriptures: to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the
work of the Lord..” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Over the last few weeks I have been emphasizing Making A
Plan To Make A Difference; about “see the need… fill the need…; that we do whatever
it takes, short of sin, to reach people…
Bottom line is that we not only work hard, but also that
we work smart! I was working yesterday and put a movie on in the background… I think
it was titled “The Spirit of the Game”; and it told the story of the Moorman
Yankees in Australia. This was a group of Moorman missionaries that were using
basketball to reach people between the late 30’s and the early 60’s. The movie
chronicled the story of one bishop that ordered them to stop playing and to
concentrate on the mission… yet it unfolded that they realized basketball was a
way to enhance the mission. And although I
100% disagree with the message they were teaching, I love the method…
Our message, Christ crucified and risen again as the sole
source and only hope of salvation, is NEVER CHANGING! But our methods are EVER
CHANGING (short of sin)!
We need to work hard and stay on task – on mission! Yet
we need to work smart as well. I think of John Madden (of NFL fame.) Coach/Commentator
Madden refuses to fly… yet is often found needing to get across the country for
the next football game or speaking engagement… so he bought a bus. He
maintained the mission and simply changed the method – same destination with a
different mode of transportation!
I remind you that the mission is dependent on you! And on
me! We are the way God has chosen to get His gospel to the world! I will let
the following verses help us celebrate and be exhorted to Work Hard and Work
Smart!
Hebrews 6: 9 But,
beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that
accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God is not
unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His
name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And
we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of
hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those
who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
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