During the “Dark Ages” holy men and women isolated themselves in monasteries to seek holiness and quietness, to live for God. There’s nothing wrong with this but we should ask ourselves, Why should it be so difficult to let the experience of God, the presence of God and leadership of God in the midst of our normal daily lives?
Most of Christ’s speeches and miracles were not performed in the holy places, such as the temple and the synagogue. His teachings were characterized by the surroundings of places He and His disciples were. The parables Jesus taught were taken from what they experienced in their daily lives and work – fishing and fish, shepherds and sheep, business and making money. Even when Jesus gave the Great Commission, His followers were not gathered in the temple in Jerusalem, but in prayer on a mountain near their homes and workplaces, where He had met them a few years before.
Jesus is with us in our everyday living and that is where He wants to be. This is both the blessing and the challenge for B4Ters; to make the “ordinary” holy, allowing the work we do to become both ours and Jesus’. It is in the midst of our work Jesus wants to meet us, and reveal Himself. After they had completed the night shift of fishing on the Sea of Galilee, He appeared to a group of fishermen on a beach and served them a physical and spiritual meal. Our Lord wants to show us that He has new challenges for us, and with these challenges He provides our needs and guidance. In the middle of our everyday work we too are asked: “Do you love me more than these?” and it is in the middle of our everyday work that we are to answer.
Remember who we are working for – Jesus.
Remember what we are working for – His glory.
Work and witness are not two separate things, but one seamless way to reveal the who and the what or our work.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.