worked up?
"The man who has faith in Me will do the works I do." —John 14:12
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old order has passed away; now all is new!" (2 Cor 5:17) In the risen Christ, all is new; in particular, our work is new. Work in and for Christ becomes harder because we are building His kingdom. Our work for Christ — no matter what it is — is so important that it is a threat to the evil one. Thus, sometimes our work is "countered with violent abuse" (Acts 13:45) and persecution (Acts 13:50). We may even be given the ultimate privilege of being martyred for our love and work for the Lord.
Because working for Christ is new and harder, in our work we are "filled with joy and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:52). Astoundingly, by faith we are able to do the works of Jesus and even greater works (Jn 14:12). Work and faith come together, and we can say with Jesus: "This is the work of God: have faith in the One Whom He sent" (Jn 6:29).
Because work in Christ is so important and anointed, we should want to work. The love of Christ should motivate us (2 Cor 5:14). If we don't want to work, than we should not eat (2 Thes 3:10).
Jesus is risen! Work accordingly.
Prayer: Father, may I work as if I knew that Jesus was returning today.
Promise: "Whatever you ask in My name I will do, so as to glorify the Father in the Son. Anything you ask Me in My name I will do." —Jn 14:13-14
Praise: St. Nereus and Achilleus were executors who took orders from a cruel tyrant. After their conversion to Christianity, they served a new King and gave up their lives in martyrdom.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Job Performance for Jesus or our audio tape AV43-3 or video V-43.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 9, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2000