Intentional Work

My name is A.J., and I am a people pleaser.  When someone makes a request of me, I intend to help them in whatever way I can.  If it means working late to finish a project before someone goes on away on vacation.  Sometimes it means cleaning up the field after a soccer game, or even rearranging my whole schedule.  There are times when this creates a situation where moments are very precious, and great intention goes into every action and motion.  If the action doesn’t help accomplish the tasks at hand, it waits until later. Priorities and timelines are examined to design the optimal order of intention.

“And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Romans 14:23

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

The intention of these verses is obvious; God is pleased by faith in Him.  When we show faith in God to those around us, they are encouraged to find out why.  It shows we believe what He said, that He is important to us and able to be trusted.  As we explain why we have faith in God, it allows us to witness to others.  We are instructed to share about God, yet we are often timid and haphazard how we share with others.   We instead wait for God to show us a ‘sign’ and a ‘leading’ for us to open our mouths for Him.  Completely unintentional.

As we examine these New Testament verses, Paul says, “whatsoever is not of faith is sin,” and “do all to the glory of God.”  In light of my tendency to abandon tasks not related to the goal at hand, we could say that these verses tell us, that we should all quit our jobs and follow God.  After all Jesus called the disciples to leave their jobs, maybe we should also.  While some people do get a calling to abandon all even today, these verses have edification for all of us. 

Rather than abandon everything which doesn’t immediately connect us to God (like mowing the lawn, packing cups, or watching kids) we should incorporate motives from God into the ordinary tasks of the day.  Ask as you work, how can I do this to show God’s great workmanship?  Or show his wonderful creation?  Can I show these kids how God loves me, and them?  If we can do this, we should find God’s refreshing.  We will not be refreshed because our bosses are happy (they may not be happy) but because the Lord is pleased in our faith. 

For more thoughts look at this article from Desiring God's blogs: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/whatever-is-not-from-faith-is-sin-really