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The Fulfillment of Worthy Work
May 20, 05:01 AM
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.” John 4:34
Work is a good thing. It is toil that is evil. Toil destroys dignity, drains enthusiasm and thwarts personal initiative. We were created with the innate desire to work and create. Even the little child runs to show you what she has painted, or made, or fixed, or cleaned. Laziness and sloth are an affront to the Creator. We were destined for worthy work. Work is worthy when our God-given talents, ideas, and abilities are released in their full measure according to the purposes of God and in harmony and cooperation with others. Jesus said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day and I, too, am working.” (John 5:17) Do not think that in the Kingdom of God there will be no work. From the beginning, it has been in the heart of God to give us dominion over the earth, to tend, subdue, and till it that it might be fruitful.
God does not give us busywork and tell us to get out of His way while He tends to the more meaningful tasks of the Divine Initiative. On the contrary, our commission is vital and our calling integral to the plans and purposes of God. He needs us to get the job done. There is a lot riding on it. The question is, can you give yourself completely to the agenda of God or does your work have to serve your own purposes? It is easy for us to delude ourselves into thinking we are serving God when in fact we are feeding our own lusts or doing it in order to feel good about ourselves. John the Baptist got it right as he saw Jesus approaching and said, “The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine and is now complete. He must be greater; I must become less.” (John 1:29-30). We are called according to God’s purpose (Romans 8:28) not ours. God does not exist to serve our enterprise, we exist to further His. Can you get to the place where your greatest joy is to see Christ glorified and the work of God completed? Jesus said, “I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent me.” (John 5:30)
Christ’s reference to food was intentional. Food is intensely satisfying and satiates our inner desire. Why do you think they call it “comfort food?” Fast food, which is empty and without true nourishment, is as counterfeit as work wasted on selfish or meaningless motives. True food nourishes and fulfills; it gives energy and balance. “Why do you spend your money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen to me and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.” (Isaiah 55:2) May God give us grace to come to the place where the greatest and most fulfilling desire of our hearts is to do what is pleasing to Him and what helps accomplish His great and loving purposes.