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It always amazes me when God weaves together a lesson, a sermon, and my own studies of His Word. For example, one Sunday morning our pastor spoke about team work and the importance of the attitude of each team member. King David was an excellent example of a team player, but at times his attitude caused problems. Later that same morning our Sunday school class finished our study of II Thessalonians — a letter which encourages a church to work as a team.
Times were different back in David’s day, and in Paul’s day, too. People’s lives were centered around their beliefs. They worked not only for food, but for the welfare of the community. They didn’t have satellite dishes, cell phones, or other technology. They didn’t have cars, wash machines, or power tools. When they weren’t working, they were either with their family/friends or worshiping–sometimes both.
As the New Testament church began to take shape, Paul reminded them that the Lord had not called them only to become Christians but to be Christians.
When Jesus called the twelve disciples in Matthew 10, He didn’t say, “Okay, I’ve taught you how to be my followers, now you can go home and relax for the rest of your life.” No, He expected them to use that training to preach, teach, heal, and to help other people in and out of the church. Often the disciples went to the people–they met them where the need was. Other times, the people came to the disciples because a friend invited them.
Jesus also didn’t tell the disciples to only work one, two, or four days each week. They were expected to work–to serve God–on a daily basis. (Technically they didn’t “work” on the Sabbath, but I truly believe their thoughts continued to be focused on God that day.) All work was done with a focus on God (”Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” Ecclesiastes 9:10a), regardless of whether it was for payment, for food, or for free. Paul lived this way daily. He wasn’t a free-loader; we shouldn’t be, either.
You may be reading this and thinking I don’t have a clue about your job and what you’re expected to do. True, but I know those people you work with are God’s creations. Their goals are the same as yours: to earn money to provide for their families’ needs. Those whom you work with who are believers are also earning money to tithe with, to further the Kingdom. How you interact with others, how you perform your job, is a direct reflection of your heart. Is your heart full of and seeking God? As you work, do others see Jesus in you? James 1:22 reminds us that we are to not only be hearers and learners, but doers of the Word. Once we know how to be like Christ, we need to do it daily.
The final thread of this tapestry God has woven is my personal studies. I just began the book of Matthew. Chapter two speaks of the time immediately after Jesus’ birth, when the Wise Men were seeking Him. I noticed the difference in how the Wise Men (Gentiles) and the chief priests and scribes (Jews) reacted to His birth. The Wise Men were aware of God, and they listened to His voice. The chief priests and scribes had gotten so used to their way of doing things, they were no longer seeking God’s voice or His face. One group had a team mentality, which focused outside of themselves. The other group was focused on their own desires–they weren’t on God’s team, and their attitudes reflected it.
Whose team are you on? What skills do you possess? Are you using those skills in and out of the church to further God’s Kingdom? Is your attitude one God is pleased with? If you are unsure of where you can best serve God contact your church. They’ll work with you to identify your skills, talents, and abilities; They’ll help you find a place to serve–on God’s team!
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