Discipleship Is Serious Business

What would Jesus do?  While this saying has been overused and has probably lost much of its effectiveness at this point in time, it really is a very good question. I’m currently in the middle of studying each of the gospels using books by one of my favorite spiritual thinkers, musician Michael Card.  I also just started a certificate program in Bible and theology that began – of all places – with the life of Christ.  So I’ve been pondering the “What would Jesus do?” question a lot lately.

With that question in mind, and in an effort to also answer the “so what?” question that makes Scripture practical for everyday living, here are some things to think about:

• Jesus modeled for us the importance of obedience to God’s authority.  His entire life was focused on doing what the Father wanted him to do (Luke 22:42 – “not my will, but yours be done”).  He “learned obedience” (Hebrews 5:8), not because he was disobedient, but as an example for us to follow.  Obedience was who Jesus was (John 4:34).  Does obedience to God first and foremost describe me?

• Jesus lived his life “on purpose”, and Jesus was not easily distracted.  He knew his calling and never pursued anything outside of that calling (John 17:4).  He relied on God’s power in him (not his own human power) to bring about God’s results (not his own results) in his calling/ministry.  Working “at the level of our own inadequacy” helps us to stay connected to God’s power to fulfill whatever purpose he has given to us (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Do I rely solely on God’s power and single-mindedly pursue my calling/ministry?

• When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and when he was confronted by various people during his ministry, he used the Word of God to counter attacks and to explain truth to those around him.  He didn’t enter into arguments; he simply spoke truth.  Rather than having a “power encounter” with others, he had “truth encounters”.  How well do I refrain from engaging argumentative people on their level and simply speak the truth in love?

• Jesus taught us with his life and words to trust and worship only God – even in the place of food, safety, and power (Matthew 4:1-11) as well as things like family (Matthew 10:37) and the approval of others (Luke 16:15b).  If we are truly placing all of our dependence on God alone, we will not look the same as those around us – even many other churchgoers.  Am I willing to trust God fully and allow absolutely nothing else to have my allegiance?

• Jesus brought a message of radical reversal of all of the world’s systems.  He said that the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who love righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted are the ones who are blessed (Matthew 5:3-10).  He told us to love our enemies, not just our friends (Luke 6:27-28).  He said that the first will be last and the least will be the greatest (Mark 9:35).  Jesus washed his disciples’ feet in order to show them and us the importance of being a servant (John 13:15).  He told us that only humble people will be exalted – not those who exalt themselves (Matthew 23:12).  And he often spoke about the importance of choosing the treasures of relationship with God over the riches of this world (Matthew 6:19-21).  When people look at my life – what I do, where I go, how I spend my money, and how I treat others – do they see these principles of radical reversal that Jesus taught?

Being a disciple isn’t always easy – and Jesus never promised it would be (John 15:18-19).  But we can be victorious disciples and bring glory to God because we don’t have to rely on our own power to follow him.  He has given us everything we need to succeed (2 Peter 1:3-4) and has promised to always walk beside us (Matthew 28:20b).  

Is Labor Day Biblical?

Today is a day that was originally designed by unions in the late 1800’s to celebrate workers in America.  Towards the end of the Industrial Revolution, the hard work of laborers in this country was recognized as something worth celebrating once a year.  However, in the 21^st century, there are few if any who see Labor Day as anything but a day off of work and the last family day of summer.

So what has changed?  Perhaps our whole perspective on work has morphed since the beginning of the last century.  Perspectives on work have certainly changed since it was originally instituted by God.

Yes, you read that correctly.  Work was God’s design and something that he modeled for us.  He worked on creation for six days (Genesis 1), and Adam was tasked by God to work the Garden of Eden and take care of it (Genesis 2:15).  Work is a gift to us from God and was built into God’s original design; it was only after the fall that work turned into something that we tend to want to get out of (see Genesis 3:17-19).

No, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a day off of work; another gift to us from God is the idea of Sabbath rest – a day each week where we cease working and find delight in God alone.  And there’s also nothing wrong with enjoying time with the families God has graciously given to us.  After all, family was also originally God’s idea (Genesis 2:24).

But most of us need a spiritual attitude adjustment when it comes to our normal mindset on work.  I’ll admit that I struggled when I recently worked outside the home for six years.  Although the people I worked with (both co-workers and the people I served) were not aware of it, my heart was at home; and going to work was not a positive experience for me.  I enjoy caring for my home and family; but I did not find it easy to find fulfillment in other work.

Maybe we need to be reminded that work was God’s idea and that the reason we’re here is to bring glory to him in everything we do (1 Corinthians 10:31).  And maybe we also need to remember that God has called us to work at whatever jobs we have been given with all our hearts, remembering that it is really HIM we are working for (Colossians 3:23-24).  Or maybe we need the kind of reminder I got a couple weeks ago when I helped out serving a meal to a group of homeless people in my community.  I’m pretty sure most of them would rather have the opportunity to work instead of being dependent on the kindness of strangers.

So as you celebrate this Labor Day, take time to enjoy a break from work and spending time with family and friends.  But let’s not forget to be thankful for the work God has given each of us to do and the ability he has given each of us to bring glory to him through that work.  And maybe we’ll return to our jobs tomorrow with a little better perspective.  Have a great holiday!