BE AT WORK

by Tammy Phillips
June 21, 2023 

“Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh [is] the Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD.” (Exo 31:15 NKJV)

Do you know that the word “work” is mentioned more times in the Bible than “love?” We are to be at work. To work is to labor, to move, to act, and to do. It is so much more than a job. To me to work is to walk out this life by faith in whatever we do.  And if work is to do,  we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength to do it, right?

I keep hearing the Lord say, “Be at work.  Be moving. Be doing. Take action.“

“For [in] six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” (Exo 31:17 NKJV)

The Lord made it ALL in six days, surely, we can DO what He calls us to in the six days we are given each week and maybe, even a little more.  Sometimes, it definitely feels like we need more hours in the day to accomplish.  However, over, and over, I have seen the Lord multiply my time when my focus is on Him and when I start the day by surrendering it to Him.  (Try it.  I guarantee you will accomplish more with Him leading the way.)

According to Genesis 1:28 and Jeremiah 29:11, we all have a plan, a purpose, and work to do.  The Lord is our example.  When He created, He worked for six days and then he rested.  Jesus is our example. At twelve He slipped away from his parents for three days in an out-of-town city, He sat in the Temple listening and answering questions.  When his frantic parents finally found him, Mary said, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” (Luke 2:48 NKJV). His response was, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49 NKJV)

We are to be about our  Father’s business. We are to be at work, “whatever” we are called to do. As a Christian, we ARE the Lord’s representative in the “whatever,” whether it be Mom, Dad, community leader, businessman, salesman, baseball player, nurse, doctor, lawyer, writer, or evangelist.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God…and whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men…” (1Co 10:31;Col 3:23 NKJV)

As manager of the Phillips home, shopping for groceries, preparing meals, washing clothes, doing dishes, and paying bills, can seem mundane.  Just like sitting through multiple meetings in a day, answering countless phone calls, emails, and texts can seem monotonous.  I am sure making dirt was not the most joyful thing God created, but it was a necessary part of His plan.  We all have “dirty” work to do as part of His design of maintaining and progressing. So…

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1Co 15:58 NKJV)  

Our work is not in vain because Jesus said, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward [is] with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” (Rev 22:12 NKJV). Our work is not without reward when done unto the Lord.  Jesus alone is more than enough reward, but He promises more.

Along with the Colossians, Paul , encourages us to “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing [Him], being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” (Col 1:10 NKJV)

Again, “whatever” we do, we should be fruitful in every good work.

The good news is “whatever” we do and wherever we are at work, we are not alone. God is with us.  He is the One who makes things happen to “whatever” we put our hands to.  God promises…

The LORD will perfect, complete, workout, finish,  His plans for my life and [that which] concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, [endures] forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. (Psalm 138:8)  We are to be at work, but it is the Lord who completes the work!

I enCOURAGE you again with the words of my favorite brother, Paul, “Now may the God of peace …make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom [be] glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Heb 13:20,21 NKJV)  What has the Lord called you to do?  Are you doing it?   It is time to be at work.

But the people who know their God shall be strong, and do…work, make , produce.  carry out [great exploits]. (Dan 11:32 NKJV)

Viva Magenta:  Live. Breathe. Be…at work.