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Pastoral Points
Work is a big part of most of our lives, whether it’s paid or unpaid, inside or outside the home. Fruitful labor is a gift of God. Human beings were created from the beginning with a purpose in mind. God commissioned Adam and Eve to tend the garden in which they lived and to have dominion over all of creation (Genesis 1-2). God continues to call each of us to particular labors in various aspects of our lives.
Most of us wear many hats: You might be a spouse, a child, a sibling, a parent. You might be a paid employee or business owner. You might be involved in your community, church or other organizations. These are all vocations — work that God has called you to do.
Since God is the one who calls you, he also equips you. That means the church is a great place to be prepared for the many responsibilities your callings require of you. God wants to strengthen you for all the vocations he has given you.
Where else but the church will someone remind you that your work is truly the work of God? Through you, God is doing what needs to be done in the world. And when you do it with love and care, you bless all those around you.
Where else will someone tell you to slow down — even while affirming the work that keeps you running? It’s not that being busy is bad. It’s just that resting is also good. Our Lord says, “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11). It’s important to be refreshed and strengthened to continue your various kinds of service.
Where else will someone remind you that you are not responsible for the well-being of the whole world? So many of us have mountains of responsibility on our shoulders. But taking time out for rest helps us to remain humble and to maintain proper perspective. We are creatures, not the Creator. And we are disciples, not the Savior. The church reminds us that the world already has a Savior, and it isn’t any of us.
Worship, prayer and study offer us time to just sit at Jesus’ feet and learn, like Mary of Bethany did (Luke 10). Christian discipleship teaches us to look past ourselves, and reminds us that there is more to life than busy schedules and even good work.
Our relationships with others and with God are not dependent on our accomplishments, but they do require our presence.
Let us remember, even amid our busy-ness, the relationships that bring us life.
