Tuesday, February 7, 2012

MM: The Job

Jesus said "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." John 6:27


I have a good job; one that I have to go to everyday and put in my time. I get paid by salary, so it really doesn't matter if I work 40 or 60 hours, it is going to pay the same. My job keeps me busy and puts money in my pocket. If I had a way to not have a job, I would jump on it. We make our lives work around our jobs, because for most of us we really don't have a choice. 
The job I want to talk about in this post is about our work for the Lord. The opening verse is pretty clear in saying that we are to work for food that brings life, not spoils. How often do we work all week only to buy something we don't need? I am reminded of a line from 'Fight Club' that goes like this 'We work jobs we hate to buy stuff we don't need'. This is so true for so many people. This is so true for me sometimes. I forget about the everlasting gift that God offers us when we truly go to work for Him. Being a Maintenance Man means being more than just a 40 hour a week work man. It means going above and beyond that and searching for that food that won't spoil. It means working hard for the Lord whenever the opportunity is there and available. I came up with a few "jobs" that I think are very important when you are walking with Christ and helping others walk with Christ.

Fighting for Hearts!
We live in a world that is in a constant state of battle. There are so many distractions and so many things to do, that it does not take much to get us off our course. The enemy is always at work and trying to figure out ways to make us fall. He doesn't care if it's a new way or a proven old way, He wants your heart. As men we have to be aware of this. We have to be ready for this fight, not only in our own heart, but the hearts of others. In my opinion this is part of the job, this is something you absolutely sign up for and must learn to be ready for. I have local brothers that check in with me and I have men that I check in with. It should not be a question of why, it should become a mandatory thing for you. We are in a battle and its part of our job as Men of Christ to serve and protect.

Setting an Example
Each day we are a witness for Christ. Each day we have a new job, a new opportunity to be more than just an average man. We have the opportunity to be an example of what a man is supposes to act like, talk like and like. This is not a job that we should take lightly. It could be an example to a younger man looking up to us, it could be an example to another man our age who needs affirmation or it could be an example to an older man who respects what you are doing. Christ is our ultimate example and what a strong example he portrays for us, each and everyday. Being an example doesn't mean sitting back and watching everyone else, it means standing up for what is right and fighting for it. Pray each day that God would show you how to be a better, stronger example to the world.

Accountability Partner
We are not in this walk alone. First of all, Christ is always there for us. And second of all there are always other brothers in Christ out there. Walking with God means that we are able to walk this path with other men. My local group of men takes the job of accountability partner seriously. In my opinion, it is a crucial part of our walk. My brothers know what makes me fall and they are available to help me if I ever feel I am leading down that path. It could just be small prayer for strength, it could be a long conversation over the phone, or it could be a 'get in the car and pick me up' moment. Whatever it is, wherever it is, whenever it is a brother is available. Take the time to pray and ask God for a solid set of local men to help and guide you along your walk. Check out an older post titled "Locking Shields" for more on this subject!

Jesus knew the power of fighting for hearts, setting an example and having brothers. He and His disciples are a great example of how this system works and works really well. I encourage you to get in the word and ready the stories. I also encourage you to start making your own stories with your brothers. Take this job seriously and learn to do it well. We'll discuss more ways of how this work can be done well and be done with a high level of quality next.


Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart. Colossians 3:23

4 comments:

  1. I really love the concept and work on this blog. Keep up the good work

    http://www.bravefaith.org

    I'd love to feature an article of yours

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great post and a great blog. I really enjoyed reading it. God bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. As a man, these job descriptions are so important. Having a good accountability partner can be the difference between doing the right thing, and falling to the wayside. That partner can keep you strong, even when you don't have the energy or strength yourself to do so. Another great post also. I am going to put this blog on my prayer list so that it will begin to reach more people and impact their lives.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for all the great comments and adding this blog to your prayer lists!

    ReplyDelete