Posted on January 27, 2019 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey
Heartland Community Church
January 27 – February 2, 2019
Walk This Way: Work
By Joe Davis
Why do we work? As I thought about this question, the first thing that came to mind was: because I have bills. But the more I reflected on it, there is so much more to this question for me than just my first gut
reaction. I truly enjoy the sense of accomplishment from a good days work. There’s something about it that makes me proud to have done the work. But there is more to it than that.
I truly enjoy service oriented jobs. My mother realized this in me when I was young and told me so. Of course, at the time I didn’t believe it and blew it off as crazy mom talk. Her observation was correct. I do enjoy it. It is what helped compel me to join the military. It is what compels me now to be a volunteer at church. And because Genesis tells us that we are made in God’s image, I know that it was put in me by God as part of my design.
For so long I felt that my job was supposed to be more. I was constantly comparing myself and my job to others. I found myself becoming jealous of what others had and became very discontent with my own situation. So much so, that I was never satisfied or content with what I was given. It came down to having a bad attitude. And it hasn’t been until recently that the Holy Spirit pressed upon me to take another attitude about my job. I had to make the conscious decision to do my work, my job, as if I was doing it for Jesus himself. I was so focused on finding my “dream job” that I was totally missing the point and purpose for work. What I needed was not what I thought I needed. And now I can truly say that I don’t need the dream job. What I need is a job I can work hard at, progress in and that provides for my family.
My wife said to me several years ago that she wanted to be able to give some of our money away to others who are in need. We’ve never been able to do that financially, but her dream has become a part of mine. She’s always had a good biblical perspective on her own work. And her desire to give herself away in her work, while at times frustrating for me, is what God asks of us. If I desire to be an obedient servant of God,
then I need to be doing all the work that I do as if it is for the him directly. There will be a greater sense of my own value and purpose if I place my trust with work in God’s hands. And if I’m honest with myself, what I truly want is to know I have value and that my work does mean something. God can do that for me, and will do that for me. So if I truly trust him, then I just need to show up to work and do my best.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: What about my attitude is causing me to not do my job as if I’m working for God? How can I serve God and others in my job this week? How can I be and bring good news to others through my work?
NEW RESOURCE: Our own Seth Davidson has begun a Journey Vlog that you can subscribe to. Each week he offers an 8-10 minute overview about the scripture reading for the day. Simply follow along, listening to the corresponding date. CLICK HERE to check it out. Be sure to click "subscribe" on the page to follow him on YouTube!
{personal reflection and bible reading plan}
As you read the verses each day, make notes of questions you have about what you’re reading as well as answering the reflection questions below. Grab a friend or two to discuss what you are learning and what God is doing in your lives.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: How does the work of each person or group of people come into play in the stories here? Identify who was working with God, and who missed the opportunity to work with God. Who do you see sharing or being good news in these passages? How might you be good news at work this week?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: In a similar fashion, take time to identify who in these verses in engaged in work. What is their role, and how are they incorporating what they believe about God into their lives. How are they impacted by this? What risks do we run when living out or sharing what we believe at work? What risks are worth taking?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: As Paul taught in Athens, he intrigued people because his beliefs were so different from theirs. How might we as Jesus followers today be more intriguing to those around us, so that they ask for more conversation? Paul’s ability to bridge their culture (from the alter to the unknown God) to the beliefs he proclaims about God is powerful. How can we be bridge builders in culture today? What might that look like in your daily life?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Once again, take note of each persons work role, and how they interact with one another, with God or with culture. Consider your daily interactions, and ask God to give you a vision of where he is working in these same places. Are you willing to join him as he reveals things?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: In this passage, we see believers debating and getting tripped up over interpretation and understanding. What kinds of things do we allow to divide us in our faith communities today? Join us in praying for fresh eyes to see what God sees as important, and for spirits that are willing to flex and flow with the things God allows in the background.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Who do you receive teaching and clarification of the Bible from? If you have chosen to follow Jesus, how would you describe baptism to someone? If you have been baptized in Jesus’ name, committing to follow him with your life, how is that going? (If you’ve not been baptized in the name of Jesus, CLICK HERE to learn about what that means and future opportunities at Heartland.)
{community discussion questions}
We weren’t meant to experience the life of Jesus alone, so we encourage you to rally a few others to discuss what you are hearing, reading, and reflecting on together. Whether you are meeting as a Journey Community group, talking with a few friends throughout the week, or bringing up spiritual conversations around your table at home, feel free to use some of these questions as conversation starters on your journey.
Can you name a takeaway or challenge from the Sunday message?
How has that been relevant, challenging, or meaningful to your life this week?
What have you observed about God, Jesus, yourself, others, or God’s plan for you from these readings?
Where do you need a breakthrough from God this week?
Who do you need to share what you’re learning about God with?
{extra journey resources}
NEW RESOURCE:CLICK HERE to follow our own Seth Davidson on YouTube. He has begun a Journey Vlog that you can subscribe to. Each day he offers an 8-10 minute overview about the scripture reading for the day. Be sure to click "subscribe" on the page to follow this YouTube channel!
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources).
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get a free Bible for your phone, tablet, and computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
Please visit us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and share what you are learning, questioning or experiencing. We love conversations!
