Applying “Don’t Waste Your Job”
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Yesterday Mark Mitchell preached a sermon called “Don’t Waste Your Job.”
The artwork corresponding to the message was done by Amber Cloutier. Thanks, Amber!
You can download the message, or listen online here.
And, as you seek to apply the message, here are some questions, prepared by pastor Don DeVries, to consider either on your own or in a small group setting:
1. Genesis 1 and 2 teaches that our work is from God. In whatever kind of work we do, no matter how significant or insignificant it is before men, our work reflects some aspect of the image of God and fulfills His command to subdue the earth. Is this your perspective on your work? In what ways does your work reflect God’s image? In what ways does your work obey God’s command to subdue the earth?
2. Mark Mitchell reminded us that every kind of work is a sacred calling from God. Quoting Gene Edward Veith, he said that, “every kind of work…is an occasion for…exercising a holy service to God and to one’s neighbor.” Have you incorrectly seen your work as “secular” and only your church activities as “sacred”? Have you wrongly assumed that pastors are “called” but you are not? How can you begin to see your work as “exercising a holy service to God and your neighbor”?
3. Colossians 3:22-23 calls us to obey our earthly master, to work with “sincerity of heart” and to work “heartily, as for the Lord.” Mark taught us that these commands call us to obey thoroughly and to give our best effort—even when others are not watching. In your work, where are you tempted to laziness, grumbling, man-pleasing or taking short-cuts? What would repentance and change look like to honor and fear God in your workplace?
4. Colossians 3:23-24 teaches us that we should work “as for the Lord,” knowing that in our work we are “serving the Lord Christ” and that He will ultimately reward us for our faithfulness. How should this eternal perspective transform the way you view and perform your job?
I was truly blessed by that sermon. I am one of those that felt I needed to hear something significant from God, to indicate I was in my calling. But what this sermon made me realize, was that even though I have never had a “parting of the red sea-revelation moment,” my life’s journey led me down this path, and I have to believe that this is what God has called me to do, and being a nurse allows me a lot of opportunities to reflects God’s image. Thanks, Mark.
By Yemi Otubu on 08/04/2008