Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Job Description for Following the Lord. Psalm 14-15; Ephesians 6

May the mumbling commence!

What does it mean to worship God rightly?  What is the job description of a worshiper of the Lord?  Read Psalm Fifteen:

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? 

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts. 
Those who refuse to slander others
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends. 
Those who despise persistent sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord
and keep their promises even when it hurts
Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend,
and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent.

Such people will stand firm forever.

Well, there you have it.  Lead a blameless life.  Do what is right.  What does that mean?  The psalmist goes on to give examples.

Do not slander or harm or speak evil of anyone.  Despise habitual sinners.  Honor those who faithfully follow the Lord.  (Who decides that?  Not you or me!  God alone can decide the faithfulness of His followers.)  Keep your promises – even when it hurts to do so.  Lend money with no interest.  Do not accept bribes.  Do not testify against the innocent.

The only human being living or dead that can fulfill this job description is Jesus.  Thank God for Christ’s work on our behalf!  Let’s attempt to walk the path of obedience that Jesus blazed for us.

And that walk encompasses all of our lives – especially our day-to-day work lives.  Read from Ephesians chapter six:

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.  Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.  Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. (Verses 5-8)

Work hard.  Work with enthusiasm.  Have an exemplary attitude.  You work not for your human employer.  You work for the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is a work ethic that I strive for.

Enough mumbling for now…


Peace Out

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