| Finding the Way |
Chapter 12 |
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What is true of work in general is true of Christian work as well. In a sense all work is religious. Everything is to be done in the name of Christ and for Him, and all duty is part of God’s will for us. Every piece of work has a moral value. Either we do it right and please God, or we do it indifferently and imperfectly, and so sin against God. The commonest tasks are as sacred in their way as are our prayers and songs of praise. Jesus Himself was engaged in His Father’s business quite as truly and as acceptably when He was working in the carpenter’s shop, as when afterwards He was teaching and healing the people.
Yet we all have duties besides those which belong to our weekday callings. It is not enough for any man to be a carpenter or a builder or a merchant or a physician or a farmer. Every one must be, first of all, a Christian – Christ’s man. We should do our secular work for Christ and do it well, but we should be a great deal larger than the little measure of our weekday occupation, and should do far more every day than our little stint of common task work in the shop or in the field. We represent our Master in this world, and must not slack our diligence in the things that He would do for people if He were here.
In our Christian work, then, we should be as enthusiastic and as earnest as we are in our secular pursuits. If we are conspicuous in the world’s work we should certainly be no less conspicuous in our work for the Master’s kingdom. Few even of the best Christians do their best for their Master. Saint Paul exhorted his young friend Timothy to stir up the gift that was in him. The fire was banked up and smoldering when it should have been burning brightly. In not many of us is the passion for Christian service doing its best.
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