Kingdom of God

Work

Dr. Mike Business & Faith , , , ,

“But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” John 5:17 (ESV)

God works

Why work? Is it because we have too or because we want too?  Don’t people work for various reasons? For example:

Most people work for an income to cover their living expenses;

Yet some people work to express their God-given gifts;

Others work to enjoy the social interrelationships;

Some work to escape from internal problems;

Than some work because they have been asked to serve others in a specific capacity;

Others work to fulfill their obligations;

Many work to satisfy some driven-need;

Some work to earn a little extra income to help others;

Others work for a cause they believe in;

A few even work for the glory of God.

This is only a few of the reasons studies have shown why we work. Yet, the result of good work is the reason we have food, clothes, shelter, and transportation for the masses. It is the reason we have schools, hospitals, churches, and factories. It is the fruit of labor for the common good of all.

How about you? Is work a spiritual discipline that allows you to move with God in the arena of life? Or is work some kind of drudgery that is required while you serve your prison time on earth?

Jesus’ stated that His Father God is working even as he spoke. That God didn’t complete the creation of the world and then retired into His heavenly home. Likewise, Jesus was purposely working instead of enjoying life on easy street. Jesus came to serve; and service requires work.

Work became difficult when Adam left the garden of Eden rebelling against Almighty God. God allowed mankind to taste what life is like apart from Him.  Since the arrival of the incarnated Jesus Christ and the reconciliation of man with God, work is the means of grace that allows us to experience the fruit of God Himself. Even today, God is at work; and with Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit we can partner with Him in His work that includes the redemption of all creation. Believe it or not, that includes the work you do today. Ask yourself, how many ways can you glorify God today through your work? What if you took one way today and worship Him through your work. How radical would that be?

 

Remember, we are rooting for you in Christ!

 

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Learn. Integrate. Grow.

 

 

Follow The Money

Dr. Mike Business & Faith , , , , , ,

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”  Luke 12:34

follow the money

Want to know where your heart truly stands? Just follow the money. Whether we are speaking about a business or a personal life, the principle is still the same. You can determine your values by how you spend your money.

Take the example of a business that boasts that their people are their most important asset. If you want confirmation, just find out how much of their operating expenses are spent for and toward their team. I can’t tell you the number of financial statements that I have analyzed which contradicted senior management beliefs on the subject. For a family, the income after the basic necessity of food, clothing, and shelter will give you a good snapshot of a person’s heart; what they value and consider important.

Jesus’ statement is still revealing today. What you value is where you will spend your time and money. However, when the Triune God is the center of your soul, He is also redeeming your time and money. It is a process, but over one’s life-time one learns that God owns it all and is simply sharing it with us all. That as stewards, we are accountable to Him. We thank Him for everything including the opportunity to express our hearts through the physical activities of life. Like Him, we open our resources to others. Our values begin to change as the Holy Spirit changes our hearts to reflect Him more and more. We become more Christ-like.

We all truly express ourselves from our inner being. It takes a spiritual rebirth to have one’s heart reshaped and molded into the image of the living God. When that happens, one then can say what the Bible states about King David. “He is a man after my (God’s) own heart.”

So if you are seeking a new adventure for life, ask God to reveal the condition of your heart. But more so, ask Him to change your heart to reflect His in everything you say, think, and do. Remember, He is rooting for you!

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Learn. Integrate. Grow.

Good Work

Dr. Mike Business & Faith , , , , , ,
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

good work 1

What is good work?

We all can recognize it in our field of specialty. But to explain it to an “outsider” becomes another story.

In carpentry, it is where the corners and measurements are precise and the look is picturesque. In parenting, it is having grown children that are mature, responsible, and accountable in the eyes of God and mankind. In business, it is providing a service or product that benefits others while maintaining a profitable operating model. In whatever occupation or vocation, good work is recognized by those who are involved in the same challenges each and every day.

However, does good work guarantee a productive outcome? The simple answer is no. You can have developed the best “widget” on the planet, but if there is no demand for widgets, no one is going to purchase the item. Even if there is a demand for the item, if no one is aware of your widget, no one again is going to purchase the item.

Your peers may marvel at it; the product may be the best ever, and it may truly represent the genius and godly character expressed through you. But no demand, no awareness, leads to no sales, and therefore no profits. But good work!

Good work is only the reflection of the person or persons involved in the project. It is a reflection of the inner character and mind of the person expressing themselves through their actions. It is what each of us can control, change, and improve upon. The final outcome though involves others. It takes others to participate in sharing their good work that may lead to a more favorable outcome.

God wants us to follow His example and do good work. The outcome though involves more than our contribution. It involves others. God created the world which is a reflection of His good work. The outcome of its care though He has placed into the hands of others: humans. Isn’t that the same thing we need to learn?

We are rooting for you!

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married

Learn. Integrate. Grow.