Messiah,“ the weary world rejoices.”
If our good work were enough, we wouldn’ t need a Savior. Our labor and diligent efforts will never be enough to secure our welcome before God or belovedness in his presence. Instead, we can only come to God by faith. Not by how well we get good and godly things done. We can’ t work our way to the belovedness we long for. This is the good news, friend!
We were never meant to be fully satisfied, secure, or saved through the labors of our hands. We can’ t please God by our own effort; it can only happen by him, through him, and for him:“ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things were created through him and for him”( Colossians 1:16).
So, if we need God’ s help to do any and all things, what does that mean for the work in front of us today? If it won’ t satisfy or save us, if it can’ t make us more loved by God, why work at all? The simple answer is this: We keep working out of desire to please the God who first loved us because of who he is. He’ s already done the work to rescue you and prove his love for you. To work in this way is to work from a posture of soul rest instead of anxious toiling. It’ s a work ethic that:
Doesn’ t meddle, but stewards:“ Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you”( 1 Thessalonians 4:11).
Works with sincerity:“ Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart,
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