We’ve looked at two extreme approaches to work: work to get it over with, and work as our ultimate goal.

Both extremes are sandy foundations for life. They wash away when the rains come, parliament changes the retirement age, or markets crash and change our industry forever.

Work reveals our foundations in life – what our ultimate goal or purpose is. Sometimes this can lead to our downfall. For example, in Japanese culture they so highly valued an ideal of never laying off workers, that many companies collapsed completely during a difficult recession. Closer to home, we can see how cost-savings at the Elliot Lake Mall, or the railway through Lac-Megantic, can seem to pay off for a while, then come crashing down with deaths, lawsuits and financial ruin to follow.

We should choose the foundation of our working lives carefully – it will eventually be revealed!

CHALLENGE: Write down a goal in your life. Make two columns underneath, writing in what will help you get there, and what could stop you. Now circle the ones that are entirely in control. What does this tell you about the foundations for your work in life – are they your’s, or God’s?

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

Ryan Sim - December 23, 2013

Monday - A New Idea - The Night That Changed You

The Night that Changed Everything

We are in a new series called, “The Night that Changed Everything.” We’re looking at the significance of Christmas, a night that changed much more than most of us imagine. We’ll see its impact on five segments of society: The Night That Changed the Religious The Night That Changed the Powerful The Night That Changed the Poor The Night That Changed You The Night That Changed the Wise Four of the five happened long ago, with categories of people who look different today – our wise aren’t Magi, our poor aren’t always shepherds, and our powerful are seldom kings. Today, we’re looking at how it changes us today, not just those long ago. We’re looking at how it changes me, and you. How can the birth of a baby 2000 years ago impact people today? Whatever the reason or mechanism, we can simply note that it has. We still date years with AD/BC – a dating system intended to be based on Christ’s life. In popular culture, we see much discussion of Jesus, with new books, blogs and films created regularly. People still quote Jesus to prove their points. And of course, many people like myself will tell you Jesus is alive and well in their lives today. Question: What impact do you see Jesus having in the world today? 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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