Often at the end of the day we are exhausted. Too weary to pray or worship or go to church or do some outreach, if given the opportunity. We are emotionally spent from the demands at work. For some, we enter our homes, slip off our shoes and throw ourselves on the couch with a collective sigh. For others, work has just begun by taking care of the children, cleaning the house or preparing a meal for the family.
We are left with just a few short hours to decompress from the stress of the day before slipping into bed. Before you know it, another day greets us with all of its demands, deadlines and the highs and lows of daily living. Even the weekend seems shorter as we pack as much activity as possible to enjoy the fleeting reprieve from work.
Sadly, many of us soon resign to the rhythm and pattern of this world by working with a single goal in mind: retiring. Yes, we ought to be careful and manage well our resources for when we are no longer able to work. But there is so much more God wants to do through us, everyday, and wherever we are to bring others into the kingdom.
Each new day is filled with opportunities that God presents to those who are willing to advance His kingdom rather than our retirement plans.
Scripture says, "God again set a certain day, calling it "Today." This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience." (Hebrews 4:7-11 NIV).
The office, shop or other employment places take on a whole new dimension when we labor in prayer for our co-workers. When we chose not to engage in foolish and gossipy conversations. When we show up on time and we are the last to leave. If we are corrected, our attitudes reflect Christ. For some, the work place is the only mission field you will ever visit.
Jesus said in John 9:4, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." (NIV).
Let's greet each new day with a prayer, "God, I make myself available. Help me to be the best worker in this job. Give wisdom and understanding so I can excel. Lord, I truly want your name glorified and honored through my life. In Jesus name, amen."
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