Work was God's idea

Work was God's idea. He told us to fill the earth and subdue it. (Gen. 1:28) Tending the garden of Eden was humanity's first job. (Gen. 2:25) The book of Proverbs is filled with praise for industry. “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” (Prov 12:11)

In the beginning, work, like everything else God created was good. However, when sin entered creation, work became cursed. “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will -produce thorns and thistles for you... By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food.” (Gen.3:18-19)

This is why T.G.I.F. is such a popular cheer.

Part of the curse it includes the desire to accumulate more. How much is enough? John Rockefeller, one of the richest men of his time, said, “Just a little more.”

During the stone age, women gathered, men hunted for about 15 hours a week. In three hours of work, primitive societies could gather three 3 days of food. People had time to develop culture and improve tools and technology. People learned to play music and painted in caves. As trade developed, cities emerged.

The Industrial Revolution brought about remarkable change. Factories were able to exponentially increase productivity. As more goods were created more was desired. The desire to have more led to the exploitation of workers and the environment and created a shift in the way society thinks of a person without a paying job. They were considered unsuccessful, even lazy. This included homemakers. The Great Depression reinforced this notion that everyone needs to have a paying job.

The boom years following WWII accelerated America's economic growth. People needed to earn money to spend on things that we were producing. Advertising fed consumerism and made credit card debt a way of life for most Americans. We buy things we can't afford to impress people we don't know. Comedian Lily Tomlin put it best when she said, “The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.”

It doesn't have to be that way. When we separate the idea of work from the the idea of money, we gain freedom from consumerism. We learn to value people who stay at home to raise children, even when they are men. We find meaning in our work.

Jesus came to earth to reverse the curse. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8)

We can enjoy our work without being part of the rat race. Meaningful work is more than a salary. I met a nurse on a medical mission trip in Ecuador, who worked enough to raise the required funds for his next mission trip. He found it easy to find temporary jobs. He found a greater purpose in his work beyond the accumulation of things.

There are many who take jobs teaching ESL in order to be able to live abroad. Others work in ski resorts and other recreational areas to enjoy the outdoors. Some give up large salaries to serve God as missionaries and parachurch workers. They put in long hours because they love what they do. For them the curse has been lifted.

Becoming a positive church member

During the COVID-19 shutdown, many were proclaiming that, “The church has left the building.” Well, the church leaves the building every Sunday. Others declared that the church is not a building. This seems obvious to most Christians I know. A good number of folks were proclaiming the church as an assembly of believers and were striving to maintain relationships in the face of the challenges presented by social distancing.

Social distance is a term as inaccurate as it is unfortunate. We needed physical distance and social nearness in times like these. Many of the churches that left the building continued to meet online; not forsaking the gathering.

I recently completed a series of sermons based on Thom Rainer’s excellent book “I Am a Church Member.” The small book (79 pages) outlines what it means to be a church member in a clear, biblical manner with a focus on relationships. I wanted to explore and expound on what the Bible says about church membership.

Rainer stands opposed to the idea that the church exists, primarily, to serve the needs of its members. That would make it more like a country club. A place where, if your needs aren’t met, you will take your money elsewhere.

Church members are the body of Christ gathered to worship, love one another, and bear witness to God’s love for the world. However, we often behave badly towards each other. Some will bully others to get there way. Some will become possessive of their turf. Backbiting and gossip are not uncommon. Jesus said that the world will recognize us as His disciples by our love. We can do better.

“I Am a Church Member” encourages us to move beyond being spectators and consumers. We are to give of our time, talent and treasure in service to God through the church. We are to be loving and humble in our relationships with others. We are to respect and pray for the leaders of our church. We ought to view church membership as a gift; an opportunity to be part of something greater than ourselves.

 

VBS in the time of COVID

We just finished VBS this week. It was a marvelous triumph, despite its small size relative to past years. VBS at Baptist Temple has included as many as five churches and often involves the assistance of a visiting short term mission team. We have recorded attendances of over 200 and one year had 40 professions of faith.

 

VBS is a big deal in the American church. It is bigger than Easter and Christmas in most churches. Lifeway, Group, Concordia, and other publishers put out elaborate kits around themes that capture the imagination. Oriental Trading puts out decorations and trinkets linked to the various themes. It is big business. Baptist Temple spent over $2000 in 2019 for VBS.

Kay Richardson has been directing VBS for the past several years, presiding over impressive productions that included a diverse group of leaders and children that included a wide range of age, cultural and economic strata. There have been light shows, worship bands, witty treat and elaborate decorations. Once we had an airplane with a six foot wingspan on stage. This year, however, was her best.

COVID led to the cancellation of VBS last year. This year seemed a bit iffy. The churches with which we usually partnered opted out. Our children’s ministry was small and we were unable to accomplish our typical summer outreach. Kay overcame these challenges and coordinated a VBS program that maximized our resources without taxing our workers. The children had a wonderful time and the workers an enriching experience.

Most important is the fact that we pushed forward in the face of uncertainty and adversity. We were faithful our service to the Lord and emerged victorious. It wasn’t our biggest VBS nor did it set a record for professions of faith, but it was, arguably, our most successful.

A big thank you to Kay and her steadfast team. To God be the glory