Character and Discipline · Personal Growth · Biblical Wisdom · Christian Life

Work versus instant results: effort?

4 min read, approximately

“Let this attitude be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to cling to, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant and becoming like human beings. Being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8)

I imagine we have read this passage of the Word countless times. In it we can see the Lord’s hard work to pay the price—the price of blood—for you and me, until he could say, ‘It is finished!’ (John 19:30)

And so, just as Romans 2:6 says, God ‘…will repay each person according to their works.’ Jesus Christ was no exception, so every effort brings a reward:

“Therefore God also exalted him to the highest place and gave him a name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

Remarkable, is it not?
Have we ever considered the effort the Lord had to make to give us abundant life?

“God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on it he rested from all the work he had done in creation.” (Genesis 2:3)

6 days, and on the seventh he rested!

“Let this attitude be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

Yes, 33 years!

I want, I want, I want! Without effort?

We see that through the Word, God has sought to teach us the value of work, care, effort, and, of course, the reward that comes from them. Yet society is driven by ‘Everything right now without effort’… I want:

• money through cheating…
• money without working…
• sexual relationships without getting married…
• a job, but I do not send out my résumé or get training…
• to learn an instrument without dedication…
• my ministry to grow without fasting or prayer…
• to earn more or be promoted while doing the same thing…
• to be in good shape without exercising or controlling what I eat…
• my children’s respect without teaching them morality or the Word… and so on…

The world and its strange standards!

The saddest part of all is:
What is a child of God doing following these steps the world proposes?

“Let them turn to you, but do not turn to them.” (Jeremiah 15:19b)

Determination, effort, and dedication

Do we really want results without even lifting a finger?

Today is a good day to understand that there are no magic wands… There is determination, effort, and dedication! Today, let us shake off laziness and begin using the abilities God has given us!

Verses to consider

\1. “The lazy person’s soul desires but obtains nothing; the soul of the diligent will prosper.” (Proverbs 13:4)

\2. “Go to the ant, you lazy person; consider its ways and be wise. Without a captain, governor, or master, it prepares its food in summer and gathers its provisions at harvest. How long will you sleep, you lazy person? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; then your need will come like a traveler, and your poverty like an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:6-11)

\3. “The desire of the lazy person kills them, because their hands refuse to work.” (Proverbs 21:25)

A little slumber? Or a little determination?
What will we do today?

May God continue to bless you
and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!
I invite you to stop by the Songbook