Is it your time at work? Whether in a factory or at home or at school, we often disconnect there the most, seeing little relation between secular activities and spiritual activities.
But it doesn’t have to be so.
Todd is a carpet cleaner in Franklin, Tennessee. While he was lifting coffee stains off the preacher’s carpet last week, he was doing more than cleaning carpets.
He was ministering. To the minister.
Because anybody can do that. And everybody needs that.
Todd told his story of alcohol and drugs. And how Jesus saved him from that. As he continued to clean, he told about conversations with his boss. And about his ministry of stones.
And the preacher listened.
Because Todd wasn’t speaking just to him.
God would be speaking to us, the preacher’s audience on Sunday morning.
And this is what we heard:
1. When we apply the gospel to our work,
meaningless becomes mission.2. When we apply the gospel to our work,
frustration becomes formation.3. When we apply the gospel to our work,
work becomes worship.
What is the most unspiritual part of your life?
It doesn’t have to be your work. Even if it’s cleaning coffee stains.
Turn your work into your ministry, your formation, and your worship.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
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How do you make the connection between your day job and your spiritual life?
13 comments:
So true! Brother Lawrence said, "It is enough for me to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God."
I think so much of it, no matter what your job, is about connecting with the people that God puts in your life. Being open and being willing allows God to accomplish so much through us.
Oh, this is a struggle for me. I don't like the separation that I have going between my day job and my spiritual life, but I get so consumed by work things when I am there.
Good question, Lisa.
This is the second post I've read this morning about the connection between worship and work -- I think God is trying to tell me something! It's true...I think the most unspiritual part of my life is my work. I tend to keep the spiritual side of my life out of the workplace...which doesn't mean I need to be preaching there, per se, but that I should be letting the light of God shine through me, at work and everywhere.
This is something I've been wanting to go over with my son. There's something of a negative reaction with kids much of the time work is mentioned, and in my heart of hearts I react much the same way though I know better. But work done as unto the Lord glorifies him and ministers to others and ourselves.
Everything as unto the LORD. Remembering that has helped me remember there's no division between what I do and who I am in Christ. Everything should be done for His glory.
Sounds like Todd knows that very well. :)
Hugs to you, my friend!
This is something God has been impressing upon me lately...to get more out of my work by working for Him regardless of what the task is.
Dealing with people at work who lie, cheat, and sometimes steal makes it difficult to show the beacon of God's love during these times.
Enforcing the rules doesn't always make me the most popular person at work.
But, I don't pass out enough of my blog cards as I should. This is a sure fire way to bring the conversation around to God and HIs plan.
Thanks for the wake up call!
I love this post, because I believe that all of life is sacred. It is very freeing.
Fondly,
Glenda
Love these three points. Thanks for visiting my blog and I certainly enjoyed yours and will be back.
I usually focus on what helps us spiritually and think your question about what is the most unspiritual part of my life very thought provoking. I don't think I have ever ponder that and will this week. Thank you for that nudge.
Awesome Lisa! (I was just thinking about this...)
1. When we apply the gospel to our work,
meaningless becomes mission.
2. When we apply the gospel to our work,
frustration becomes formation.
3. When we apply the gospel to our work, work becomes worship.
Great post, Lisa. I love reading and talking about those who get the connection between work and worship. Todd's example is such a powerful one. Lately I've been learning to ask myself the question: (especially in the midst of drudgery) where is God present in this?
Very, very well said. I loved your three-point conclusion.
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