the works
"The harvest is good but laborers are scarce. Beg the Harvest Master to send out laborers to gather His harvest." —Matthew 9:37-38
Throughout our lives, we work hard for many years. We can work for the building of God's kingdom (see Mt 6:33) and the gathering of His harvest (Mt 9:38), or we can work for ourselves. This latter choice eventually results in wasting our lives and our work to craft an idol, that is, a false god (see Hos 8:6). "You are not to spend what remains of your earthly life on human desires but on the will of God. Already you have devoted enough time to what the pagans enjoy" (1 Pt 4:2-3). "You should not be working for perishable food but for food that remains unto life eternal, food which the Son of Man will give you" (Jn 6:27). In serving the Lord, therefore, "whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men" (Col 3:23).
After the first sin, work became one of the main ways we curse ourselves (see Gn 3:17). However, "there is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rm 8:1). Jesus has saved us from the curse of work by giving us a new nature and the privilege of working for, with, and in Him. With joy and thanksgiving, work in love of Jesus.
Prayer: Father, may I work as Jesus worked.
Promise: "Jesus continued His tour of all the towns and villages. He taught in their synagogues, He proclaimed the good news of God's reign, and He cured every sickness and disease." —Mt 9:35
Praise: Ralph uses his job serving food as an opportunity to spread God's light and love to his customers.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Job Performance for Jesus or our audio tape AV 43-3 or on video V-43.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001