Business
Businesses work to become as large as they can. Churches are not to operate like businesses. A church should only grow as large as the Lord wills it to grow. Be obedient to the purpose, direction, and even size He calls your church to become, not what you desire because of ego (pride of life).
Work with excellence. Speak with grace. Walk in love.
Exodus 36:1-3 – Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded. And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning.
The Lord brought His Spirit upon Bezaleel, Aholiab, and every wise hearted man giving him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to perform all manner of work in the service of the sanctuary (Exodus 31:1-11). The Lord does the same with us by giving His Spirit throughout the body of believers to accomplish His purpose for His glory. Paul identified spiritual gifts given through the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12. It was not for one person or spiritual gift to be considered greater than another, but for the body of believers to be as one…one in suffering, and one in rejoicing. The gifts are given for the edification of the entire body, not only one or two. They are given for the perfecting of the body of believers may be whole and complete, not lacking any thing (Ephesians 4:7-16).
Even beyond the spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12, many people are given gifts from the Spirit of God to cook, clean, solve math problems, drive, etc. Our gifts and talents are not only used to provide for our own substance and wealth, but as a means to acknowledge and glorify the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:18; Matthew 5:14-16). May you find joy in whatever service the Lord calls you, and appreciate the work and efforts of others.
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/dariuszman
In the world of business, we are taught that the higher one attains in position, the least ‘hands-on’ or menial work they are to do. The manager no longer runs errands or buys the office lunch. They tell someone else to do it. They no longer have to drive around the parking lot, they have a designated spot of their own. They set deadlines, make decisions that affect policy and personnel, write checks, rate work performance, and gain greater respect among their peers.
However, in the midst of the ‘business’ of life, there are some lessons a disciple of Jesus can never forget:
John 13:1-16 – Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
1. Ready for ‘full-time’ ministry. Right now, thousands of Christians are waiting for the opportunity to go into ‘full-time’ ministry. We are working jobs we dislike (mainly because they keep us from full-time service); supporting bosses we don’t care for; and are surrounded by people that drive us crazy!
As we think about the plight of our situation, we only become more discouraged and enraged because we cannot be where we like and do what we love. Dreams and visions of ‘running free’ for the Lord would dance through our minds, then in a flash, reality sets in – too far from our desire and too close to the surroundings that keep us ‘trapped.’
SITE NOTICES
Search the site
Shopping cart
Total
Shipping and discount codes are added at checkout.
Checkout