Devotional for Thursday, January 9

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1–4)

You are dead.

That’s right. It’s not a typo.

You. Are. Dead.

“But I don’t feel dead. Plus…watch this….(Reader proceeds to do push ups and or jumping jacks.) ”

Trust me. I get it. I know you’re physically alive. Stop doing jumping jacks and come back to the blog. 🙂

This is what I mean….One of the themes of Paul’s writing is the idea of death and resurrection. Specifically the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If there was a time in your life where you turned from your sin to Jesus in repentance and faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ then the Bible tells you that you “in Christ.” And that means that you’ve died with Christ in His crucifixion and you’ve risen with Christ in His Resurrection.

“But I don’t feel like that.”, you might say.

It doesn’t make it not true. You’re feelings will lie to you. God’s Word does not. “Let God be true and every man a liar.”

So the Bible argues that if you’ve died with Christ and you’ve been resurrected with Him then it is time to begin to “set your mind” on eternal things. That is, to think like, or to gain the perspective of someone who is in Christ, who will live for a short time on earth, and will live forever in heaven. Think like someone who knows that earth is temporary and eternity is forever. Think like soemone who knows one day Christ is coming back and we will “appear with Him in glory.”

Think about it..
* Your job is temporary.
* Your bank account is temporary.
* Your stuff is temporary.
* Your life on earth will end.

But…
* Your relationship with God is eternal.
* The Word of God is eternal.
* The souls of people are eternal. Everyone lives forever somewhere.

So, today, think like that! Think about that. “Set your mind on things above”!

February 17, 2012 

Today’s Text:  Colossians 4:1 “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.”

Today’s Key Thought: A wise steward of their vocation exemplifies Christ in their leadership.

The climb of the corporate ladder is most working people’s dream. To get to the top, is the ultimate goal. Some of us have made it, others are on their way. God rewards the diligent and it is not wrong to desire success in the workplace. God has something to say to everyone who is in leadership, regardless of whether it is in the workplace, at home, or anywhere. Those in the position of authority are told to give a fair and equal payment to their workers. It’s not a new idea that a subtle way to get ahead unethically as a leader, is to short your employees wages, benefits, and holidays; ungodly leaders have been doing it for generations. God’s view, however, is different. God’s desire is for those in leadership to treat those under them fairly and equally according to their work. This is not only a godly way to be a leader, but it’s also an incentive for workers to work hard for a fair share of opportunity and benefit. A leader who treats their workers in fairness and equality according to their work, exemplifies Christ in their work ethic, as they remember that they also have a heavenly leader, their Father in heaven.

Application:
If we asked those under your authority about how you treat them,  what do you think they would say? Your children, your colleges, your students, your workers, your volunteers? If you are in a position of leadership, God has given you this position so that you might exemplify your heaven master, the Lord, in your work ethic. Today’s challenge is simple, analyze how you treat those under your authority and find a way to treat them fairly and equally to their level of work.

February 16, 2012

Today’s Text: Colossians 3:22-25 “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

Today’s Key Thought:  A wise steward of their vocation works for the Lord first.
Very few of us are able to work in a very Godly environment on a regular basis. Most of us work with a very mixed group of people with all sorts of faiths and ethics, both good and bad. Many of us also work for men and women who do not please the Lord in their management skills which affects their role over you as a Christian. Although their lack of morality or Godliness is sometimes a constant concern for you, your role has not changed. God desires that his servants work for their earthly masters in obedience. But some might say, “you just don’t know what kind of a person I’m working for!”. Regardless of that person’s morality or belief, God has called you to answer to their authority in obedience (in light of the law of God as well). A Christians obedience to his authorities at work, as well, should be done out of sincerity, not out of a false pretense, knowing that a Christians first works for the Lord in everything they do. No matter your role or job description, God desires that you first work for Him and work hard while doing it! Now that’s a modern day contradiction! Most would say, “If you don’t like your job or your boss makes you mad, slack off, take longer breaks and duck when the boss is coming.” Yet God says, “Work hard, work for me, regardless of your job or boss, and I will reward you for doing so.”

Application:

So what is your attitude in the workplace? Are you doing just enough to get by? Are you slacking off because of your job or boss’ treatment? Remember, as a Christian you work first for the Lord! Today’s challenge may be a hard one, but it’s worth the effort. Today, go to work (or whatever you do today) and work at it hard. Don’t let yourself be distracted by others, work as if God was watching you……because He is.

February 15, 2012

Today’s Text: Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Today’s Key Thought:  A wise steward of their vocation is thankful for their current career or job.

Life sometimes can seem like it comes toward us from all directions. We seem to be coming and going at the same time and we sometimes find ourselves every which way, involved in more than we thought possible. Sometimes this is because we have chosen to live life in an unmanageable way, other times it is because we have fallen asleep at the wheel of life and our lack of direction and planning has caused a chaotic crash of a lifestyle. God’s design for a Christian’s lifestyle is one that is manageable. Sometimes, because of our choices, we find ourselves in a job or career that we find not quite up to the standard we had hoped. Maybe that job is new or maybe its one you have had for a long time. No matter the kind or length of a job, God’s call for you is the same, “…do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” God’s will for you in your place of work is to do everything to His glory and do it with an attitude of thankfulness. Sometimes we use the excuse of looking for a “reason” first before we are thankful for our current situation; yet, God tells us that whatever the situation, we are to give thanks to God. God’s grace and love to you is enough to be thankful for all you are able to do.

Application:

Does your current job or career seem chaotic or not up to the standard you thought? Have you bought into the lie that “you deserve better”? God certainly wants His best for your life, according to His will; but God also knows that you need to be thankful for what you have. Whatever you are doing; good, bad, or ugly, God’s will for you is to do it for His glory and give thanks to Him for it. Those who manage little well, are given more to manage in time.