Pathways Press.com

Written by Michael E. Wittmer, a contemporary theology professor and author. This is an excerpt from his book “Heaven is a Place on Earth.”

Rather than plot our next evangelical encounter, what if we ponder what it means to follow our crucified Christ as we close a deal, type a report, sort the mail, care for our employees, or prepare a lesson? For starters, one who has died with Christ will refuse to cut corners but will build houses up to code even if it means that his bid comes in higher than his shoddy competitors’.  She will always speak the truth to her clients even if it means losing their business. He will honor the promises he’s made to his employees even when it hurts the bottom line. She will resist the temptation to “phone it in” but even though she’s taught the course a zillion times, will continue to stretch for fresh insights and innovative ways to present the material. When we allow Jesus Christ to change our work, he becomes so much more than someone we merely talk about at work. He becomes the reason why we work. Perhaps best of all, when others observe our commitment, the foolish way we deny ourselves for the sake of Christ, they are bound to wonder about us. Consequently, we will likely enjoy many more quality opportunities to speak about our faith in Christ than if we had come to work with only that goal in mind.

Prayer:

Written by Rachel Dawson, a contemporary author. 

Father, I come before you thankful that you have made work a part of life and given me the opportunity to glorify you in my work. Thank you that I can work hard and go to bed tired each day. Thank you for the good days and the difficult ones, and for the gifts you have given me to help this world be a better place through my work. Establish the work of my hands by helping me to be productive, patient, focused, and insightful. Keep me from distractions and from technology hindering my work instead of helping it. May your Spirit lead me in my work and help me to be joyful, creative, and worshipful–constantly reminding me of your love and that you’re the reason I have breath in my lungs. Teach me to align my work, family, church life, and rest in a way that would maximize your glory and allow me to bear the most fruit for your kingdom. Amen.