S -
“They then said, What are we to do, that we
may [habitually] be working the works of God? [What are we to do to carry out
what God requires?] Jesus replied, This is the work (service) that God asks of
you: that you believe in the One Whom He has sent [that you cleave to, trust,
rely on, and have faith in His Messenger].” John 6:28-29 AMP
O - The work, according to Jesus, is none of the
usual suspects the world demands we consider to be the work. It wants making a
living, improving your educational status and all activities related to
productivity to be our work. To this relentless list religion adds another
myriad of activities which we are to accept as part and parcel as the work God
requires. Jesus refutes both optics on work and affirms only one - the work of
believing his person. This work is not about believing promises, principles or
plans but only a person. This is the work which keeps everything possible and
only requires mustard seed sized faith. This work allows all who engage it to
live out loud the scriptural direction to: “Lean
on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do
not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know,
recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain
your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP
A - In my experience this work is work because
something else is always wanting me to think it's the work. Of course at some
point there are other activities to engage along with this work but none them
are everything possible realities. It's work to keep the work the work because
the other (even needed) engagements present themselves as the real work. The
beauty of doing the work Jesus assigns me is it keeps everything possible every
day and keeps me following him who is already working everything for good.
P -
Lord who designed and understands life on earth,
Thank you for clarifying the work, for
making it possible and for keeping everything possible for us each day. I admit
all other "work" inspires me to lean on my own understanding rather
than on you. I choose to believe and lean on you.
I really do love you back,
Steve
Amen. The distractions of this world can cause us all to stumble, at times. And the Lord is here to always pick us up, and put us back on our feet. I like to say, "In His Hands." Blessings, my friend.
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