During breakfast together one morning, Stan mentioned that he had been talking to a neighbor who told him about the danger of being self-employed.
“The danger of being self-employed?” I responded. “What danger?”
“What my neighbor told me,” Stan replied with a smile, “is that he realized a long time ago that everything he does is to be done for God, not himself, and that if what he does is for himself and not for God, that’s a real danger for his discipleship.”
“His discipleship? How so?”
“As you’ll remember,” Stan replied, “Jesus said if we want to follow Him, we have to deny ourselves and take up each day what He has for us to take up. Then we can follow as we work for God.”
“Oh,” I said, “we are to work for God rather than work for ourselves. Right?”
“That’s right, my friend,” San replied. “We are not to be employed for self!”
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Bible verses to consider:
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. Colossians 3:23.
With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men. Ephesians 6:7.
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life eternally with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I work for myself and not for you. Please forgive that foolish approach to living the new life you’ve provided. Help me follow every step of your lead in truly denying self and truly taking up what you have for me to take up so I can follow and work for you in all things. Thank you that I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you accepted God’s eternal provision for you so you can work for Him as you remain here? If no, why do you choose to be separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with working for God? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need to no longer work for yourself, but to do everything for Him? Spend time on this studying God’s Word, praying, reflecting, and journaling about what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?