The year was, I think, 1937. Count em up. You got it; 73 years ago we were introduced to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Below you will find a link to the video, that has, by in large, defined the movie for many of us. The video depicts dwarfs who actually sing while they dig - while the work. I wonder, when was the last time we viewed our work place with such high regard? When was the last time we came to work singing, sang while at work and then left work singing a happy tune? For many of us, unfortunately, that has never happened. What a shame. I wonder where this type of distaste for work actually began. When did work become something we just 'get through' until we get to the end of our day or until we get to Friday, or, even, until we get old enough to not work anymore - to retire?
It wasn't always this way, you know. In ancient cultures work and trade were highly valued as integral to the proper functioning of societal and communal life. So much so, in fact, that families engaged in work together and in so doing they grew closer to each other; they grew to learn their passions; strengths and giftedness and they also contributed to the culture around them. In short, their work made others better, more productive, healthier.
Hmmm, where did you and I get off track, I wonder. Some would say the industrial revolution. Others perhaps assembly lines; yet I have heard others argue that our trend toward 'professionalism' has devalued much of the work that is not 'professional' in nature, but no less important to the proper ordering of family and community life. I believe that the problem could be traced to all three as well as other influences that have formed modern living. But for the believer who has been called according to the riches of God's grace in Christ, the problem lies in us not understanding the wide range implications of His calling on our lives! Take a minute and think about it. What does it mean to be called by God? How does God view our work? Did Christ or does Scripture ever speak to us as workers or employees or employers or colleagues?
Of course you know the answer to those questions is a resounding 'yes.' But, do you know what the actual answer is? Do you know what Christ has to say about work and its importance to life? In Luke 19 Jesus tells a parable of a ruler who has to leave for awhile to receive the authority righty his as ruler. During the time of his absence he leaves his stewards in charge of portions of his kingdom (through minas). Upon return he inquires as to how they have used his resources and how they have cared for that over which he gave them charge. This king is quite generous with those who have done well and used his gifts. In fact, his generosity is unheard of; it is abundant beyond belief. However, there is one (there is always one, right?!?) who does nothing with his gift. In fact he hides it and pretends as though it doesn't exist. You know what the King does? He strips this steward of that which he did have - leaving him with nothing - and gave it to the ones who were faithful.
This parable has much to say to you and me today in regard to work. The King in this parable is Jesus and we are the stewards. He has left us in charge of his work during His absence and he has literally told us 'engage in business, conduct trade, and be involved in vocation.' This is precisely what he asked of the stewards in the story I just described. You see, for the Christian it matters not where we are employed or even if we are employed. It matters not if we are under-employed or over-employed. What matters is that wherever we are placed, we are to conduct the work of His Kingdom in the midst of those around us. This is the idea behind calling and vocation - that our lives count for more than ourselves and our work makes a difference in the lives of others! The other lesson illustrated here, one we miss at our own peril, is that we will be judged by the King based on how we have 'stewarded' during His absence. To the faithful there will be ABUNDANT reward in heaven, to the unfaithful - well you get the picture.
So, where is this idea of calling to be pursued and fulfilled in our lives? There are at least three areas in which you and I practice and steward our 'vocation' or calling every day. First we are called to steward within our home. Yes, I have a vocation (calling) as husband, father, son, brother, etc. Do you view your home as 'vocation?' Secondly we are called to steward within our church. Yes, there is work do be done within the context of local ministry in a congregation - if you are just sitting watching others do the work of the Lord, then you risk great judgment and little reward! Thirdly, we have a calling to steward within our culture. We are to actively bring the presence of Christ into our culture on a day to day basis. This would include our neighborhood, our work, our places of influence in politics, industry, schools and institutions - all of these need the presence of Christ lived out as 'vocation' on a day by day basis.
By the way: Happy Labor Day! Hopefully this year it will mean more than just one last chance to fire up the grill or spend the day on the beach. Maybe - just maybe - you and I will get serious about 'vocation/calling,' 'work/stewardship' and truly be the people Christ is calling us to be
See you Sunday!
Biz
by the way, don't foget to check out the video - it will at least put a smile on your face!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_fF6P_PQqQ
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