There are two extreme approaches to work:

1) Work is necessary evil. Do just enough so I never have to work again.
2) Work is the ultimate good to pursue.

We’ll look in depth at these two kinds of extreme approaches to work next week, and how they can damage us, then the next week, we’ll see what good work looks like, and how it ties in with God’s purpose and rhythm for both work and rest.

We saw with the recent devastation in Quebec how disastrous it is when trains go off the rails. They are made to run on rails. The rails are not about restricting their freedom, however. The rails give them freedom – when they hop the rails, they lose all freedom.

God has given some tracks for us. A rhythm of work & rest in a week…a year…and a lifetime.

Work is not a temporary, troublesome virus in our lives, but part of who we are. And the rhythm will help us see that while work is important, it’s not all important.

Balance and rhythm are the way to keep away from those extremes.

Challenge: Draw a continuum between these extremes – work is nothing, everything. Where are you? Where are those you know and work with? Where would you like to be?

 

Acknowledgements: Tim Keller, Every Good Endeavour and Work & Rest

Ryan Sim - December 26, 2013

Thursday - Act On It - The Night That Changed You

The Night that Changed Everything

We saw on Tuesday the story of Simeon, and what he said about Jesus bringing salvation available for all people. He picks up Jesus and says: “for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Simeon was considered a righteous and devout man. It would have been easy to rely on his good works for his salvation. Instead he goes and picks up a baby boy, and says this is the source of his salvation. For him, that was a life-changing experience. We pray that Jesus’ arrival on earth is lifechanging for you too. Through this series, we’re seen Jesus’ impact on the religious, powerful, poor, and next week, the wise. If you are religious – beware of trying to earn your salvation, you will find yourself falling short every time and in despair. For you, Jesus’ birth brings hope. God came to you, you don’t have to get to God. If you are powerful – beware of feeling like there are threats all around, and falling into fear. Jesus is your comfort. He is the true source of all power wherever it is exercised, and he can live in you and work through you to build kingdom of god, rather than your own kingdom. If you are poor – you are probably aware of your reliance on God and God alone. It is easier to know you are spiritually poor when you are materially poor, as material wealth can obscure our need for help and salvation. Jesus represents spiritual riches offered freely to all of us, rich and poor, but so often rejected by the wealthy and accepted by the poor. Whoever you are, God coming to earth reresents grace – a free gift from God you didn’t earn, didn’t force, and didn’t buy. It was a turning point in world. Will it be a turning point in your life? Challenge: Explore Jesus this coming year – take Christianity 101 (info below), or get in touch with me for personal coaching. Reminder: We are reading the Bible in sync as one community - so check out today's reading at https://www.redeemthecommute.com/readingplan Reminder: The best way to grow spiritually this year is to join our Christianity 101 in the Cafe Course in Pickering starting January 22nd. Register for you and a friend today at https://www.redeemthecommute.com/events/!

Related Topics: Christmas | More Messages from Ryan Sim | Download Audio

From Series: "The Night that Changed Everything"

In preparation for Christmas, our Daily Challenges are going to explore the lifechanging significance of Jesus' birth so long ago. It's more than a sentimental story, or a time for generosity, Christmas celebrates The Night that Changed Everything. We'll explore the original Christmas story from the Bible, and its impact on five kinds of people.

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