We All Have Two Kinds of Work
We all have two kinds of work. In addition to the duties and responsibilities of our regular gig, we work for the greater glory of God. And while working for the greater glory of God isn't really a separate job, it does bring certain obligations.
At times in my life, I've had to work two jobs to support my family. Not complaining here, but juggling two jobs can be challenging at times. But even if you're blessed to only need to work one job, working for the greater glory of God can be like a second job. It takes more time and energy than just working your regular job.
Working for the greater glory of God precludes complaining, uncharitable words and actions (even thoughts!), striving to do all our work perfectly according to God's Will as best we understand it. And if our efforts bring material gain and professional advancement, we respond to our good fortune with a spirit of sincere humility. There's more involved with working for God's greater glory, but for now let's look at examples of how these can take extra effort. In fact, depending on personality and particular circumstances, this can take some serious extra effort.
For example, if, like me, you're not always a naturally cheerful sort of guy, being charitable to others may not come naturally. If you've worked hard for whatever success you've had, maybe you're reluctant to recognize that, in the end, it's all part of God's plan for you, rather than just the reward for your hard work - so you're not free with giving thanks to Him before taking personal credit.
You can see how, for some of us, having these two kinds of work can be even more challenging than juggling two jobs. So this morning, as we head off to, let's recall Matthew 11:28. Our Lord directs these words to each of us in a manner appropriate to the specific circumstances of our work:
"Come unto me, all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you..."
He's extending His hand here. He knows that work can sometimes, possibly many times, be a burden we must bear each day. And so He seeks to lighten that load by offering us refreshment.
Even those of us who have jobs we really enjoy need refreshment from time to time. We work long hours and at the end of the day, our energy spent, we head home. If we have a family, His refreshment clears our minds and bodies so that we can be present to our families, not burdened with the residue of our daily labor.
But He has more to say now, and it speaks to that "second kind of work" we all have:
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me..."
A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. The term frequently refers to something that is oppressive or burdensome. But I don't think that's what Our Lord has in mind here. We might think of His yoke as that same Hand He's extending to us as a means of refreshment. Only here He guides us, just as the plowman guides his animals in the field with the use of the yoke. The animals may have the strength and endurance to pull the plow, but they need the plowman's steady hand to guide them this way and that. We may have all the necessary skills and talents to succeed in our regular job well. But to succeed in our second kind of work, we will need the steady hand of Our Lord's teachings - His commandments - to guide us.
When He says "Take my yoke upon you," Our Lord is urging us to embrace His commandments and accept His guidance. He does not force us here. God gave each of us free will; it's up to us to accept His commandments. Of course, He will supply the grace we need to do so; but, still, it's our choice to obey or not.
As for Our Lord, the Only Begotten Son, He was obedient to His Father - obedient unto death on the Cross. His life serves as an example to us. That's why He follows "Take my yoke upon you" with "and learn of me." He not only leads us, but He also reveals Himself to us by His example. Indeed, His very next words reveal two important aspects of our Lord's character
"...because I am meek and humble of heart..."
Next time we'll see how and why we can and should develop these twin virtues of meekness and humility at work.
At times in my life, I've had to work two jobs to support my family. Not complaining here, but juggling two jobs can be challenging at times. But even if you're blessed to only need to work one job, working for the greater glory of God can be like a second job. It takes more time and energy than just working your regular job.
Working for the greater glory of God precludes complaining, uncharitable words and actions (even thoughts!), striving to do all our work perfectly according to God's Will as best we understand it. And if our efforts bring material gain and professional advancement, we respond to our good fortune with a spirit of sincere humility. There's more involved with working for God's greater glory, but for now let's look at examples of how these can take extra effort. In fact, depending on personality and particular circumstances, this can take some serious extra effort.
For example, if, like me, you're not always a naturally cheerful sort of guy, being charitable to others may not come naturally. If you've worked hard for whatever success you've had, maybe you're reluctant to recognize that, in the end, it's all part of God's plan for you, rather than just the reward for your hard work - so you're not free with giving thanks to Him before taking personal credit.
You can see how, for some of us, having these two kinds of work can be even more challenging than juggling two jobs. So this morning, as we head off to, let's recall Matthew 11:28. Our Lord directs these words to each of us in a manner appropriate to the specific circumstances of our work:
"Come unto me, all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you..."
He's extending His hand here. He knows that work can sometimes, possibly many times, be a burden we must bear each day. And so He seeks to lighten that load by offering us refreshment.
Even those of us who have jobs we really enjoy need refreshment from time to time. We work long hours and at the end of the day, our energy spent, we head home. If we have a family, His refreshment clears our minds and bodies so that we can be present to our families, not burdened with the residue of our daily labor.
But He has more to say now, and it speaks to that "second kind of work" we all have:
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me..."
A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. The term frequently refers to something that is oppressive or burdensome. But I don't think that's what Our Lord has in mind here. We might think of His yoke as that same Hand He's extending to us as a means of refreshment. Only here He guides us, just as the plowman guides his animals in the field with the use of the yoke. The animals may have the strength and endurance to pull the plow, but they need the plowman's steady hand to guide them this way and that. We may have all the necessary skills and talents to succeed in our regular job well. But to succeed in our second kind of work, we will need the steady hand of Our Lord's teachings - His commandments - to guide us.
When He says "Take my yoke upon you," Our Lord is urging us to embrace His commandments and accept His guidance. He does not force us here. God gave each of us free will; it's up to us to accept His commandments. Of course, He will supply the grace we need to do so; but, still, it's our choice to obey or not.
As for Our Lord, the Only Begotten Son, He was obedient to His Father - obedient unto death on the Cross. His life serves as an example to us. That's why He follows "Take my yoke upon you" with "and learn of me." He not only leads us, but He also reveals Himself to us by His example. Indeed, His very next words reveal two important aspects of our Lord's character
"...because I am meek and humble of heart..."
Next time we'll see how and why we can and should develop these twin virtues of meekness and humility at work.
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