| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Great thoughts from great Christians” Our Bible verse for today: “Isn’t this the carpenter?” Mark 6:3 (NIV) Our thought for today: “What you do matters, if you do it for the Lord” This morning I want us to continue thinking about the lesson we learned from the example of Brother Lawrence in yesterday’s devotional. Lawrence was a simple man performing simple tasks as a cook, dishwasher, and general helper in a monastery. But in the midst of that simple life filled with simple tasks, he had such a deep and meaningful relationship with God that he became famous for it, and Christians are still learning from his example more than 400 years later. This is important because sometimes we tend to think less of people and professions that are not what we deem to be high profile and important. That was the case with Jesus. He spent most of his life as a carpenter in a small remote village. When He began His public ministry, some people dismissed him with the scornful observation, “Isn’t this the carpenter?” Billy Graham had an insight about this which I believe is helpful and important. He wrote, “Do you tend to downplay the work you do? ‘I’m only a housewife … I’m just a plumber … I teach school … I’m merely a clerk in a grocery store … I make my living as an accountant.’ But if God gave you that skill, and you are where He wants you to be, then your work is valuable and significant in His sight.” Moses had something to say about this as well. In Exodus 36:1 we read, “Every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability … is to do the work just as the Lord has commanded.” So, if God gave you the skill to teach students, to fix a busted pipe, to be an accountant, or whatever it is you do, then accept that gift with joy and thanksgiving and do your job well. Billy went on: “Another thought to ponder: What kind of carpenter do you suppose Jesus was? Did the doors fall off His cabinets? Do you suppose He took shortcuts or did just barely enough to get by? No, of course not. The Bible says, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.’ (Colossians 3:23)” Thank God for who you are and for what you can do. Then, go do it with enthusiasm and joy, and do it very, very well because you’re really doing it for the Lord not for people. God Bless, Pastor Jim |
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Oak Hill Baptist Church 