Friday, September 7, 2018
2 Thessalonians 3:10 If any would not work, neither should he eat . . . John 6:27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
WORK HARD AT YOUR EARTHLY JOB, BUT KEEP IN MIND ITS LIMITED VALUE
The Christians in Thessalonica had it all wrong. They were thinking that because Jesus had promised to come again and take them to Himself, that working for a living was unnecessary. We might as well kick back and relax, and twiddle our thumbs. Paul had to counsel them against this attitude. "Get back to work!" he told them. "Quit being lazy!"
As Christians we are indeed comforted to know the Savior IS coming again to receive us into glory. His appearing on earth to judge the world and lead us home could happen any day! His will for us in the meantime is that we continue working faithfully and energetically in our earthly vocations. However, we are ever to bear in mind that the value of our earthly work is limited. As important as it is for our lives here, it will have no value when our life on earth ends.
So, by all means work hard in the earthly vocation the Lord has given you. Remember, though, that the most important thing to labor for is the food for your soul Jesus freely serves you in His Word. Keep "working" for this food as you take time to read your Bible and to listen to God's Word and receive the Lord's Supper at His house on Sunday. Keep praising Him for the bringing to completion the greatest work- project ever: the one Jesus finished for you when He went to the cross to atone for your sin and obtain for you the crown of life. By this He enabled you to live in His heavenly presence worry-free in perfect joy forever.
One thing's needful; Lord, this treasure Teach me highly to regard;
All else, though it first give pleasure, Is a yoke that presses hard!
Beneath it the heart is still fretting and striving, No true, lasting happiness ever deriving.
This one thing is needful; all others are vain. I count all but loss that I Christ may obtain!
(Lutheran Service Book, 536:1)
