Good and Trusted Work

April 23, 2018

 Scripture

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.  (2 Timothy 2:15,16 NLT)

Good and Trusted Work

“Do you know why I know we didn’t install that switch plate?” asked our electrician. “Because all the screw slots aren’t all uniformly vertical.” A small statement of care in the work he does. After he left I reflected that he is a real gift from God - he comes, does good work and he is trustworthy. And leaves a quality mark in vertical slots.

We trust our electrical, heating and air conditioning, appliances, money management, medical care, counselling, taxes to experts in their field. We’ve discovered good, trustworthy men and women who do good work where “all the screw slots are uniformly vertical”.

It’s a good metaphor for how we live out our faith – good workers who quietly do the best for the kingdom and hence the best for those around us. In his pre-ministry life Jesus probably made great tables. Not through supernatural power, but through the care-full work of measuring, cutting, nailing, sanding and finishing that any good carpenter employs.

How we use words, how we listen to God and those around us, how we respond to need and opportunity for service are all part of the cosmic process Jesus is continuing to do in and through us to reconcile the world to God. Much of this is done by people doing good work wherever their vocation has placed them.

 A Prayer for Today

God of good work, you are constantly at work in our world and in us to bring about the restoration of this broken and damaged creation. Let us see that simple acts of service to others – customers, clients, investors, family, friends and enemies -are ways we express our love and service to you. …. For Jesus’ sake

Noteworthy: From Jerusalem to Timbuktu  is my good friend Brian Stiller’s new book. It’s a great read, opening our eyes to the spectacular numerical and spiritual growth of followers of Jesus around the globe and in some very unexpected places. Go to Noteworthy for details.