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 - June 2, 2014

Monday - A New Idea - Pioneer Preaching

Last week, I noticed my phone shaking, and tried to answer, didn’t get there in time. I check the voicemail shortly after, and it was a reporter from the Toronto Star. He said he’d like to interview me about Redeem the Commute, for a story on the commuting nightmare that has hit Toronto this summer. I knew this was a great opportunity for thousands of people to learn about Redeem the Commute. Our biggest growth ever came through a story on CBC News, so I knew the potential. I also had learned from experience that he probably had a tight deadline, and would quickly move on if I didn’t call back soon. I knew I didn’t have a lot of time to prep, but had an opportunity not to be passed up. So, I stopped, prayed, reviewed a couple key points, and dialled the phone. We chatted briefly, and as I suspected, he needed a story to publish the very next day. We began our interview… Now, imagine yourself in that situation. You suddenly have the opportunity to speak to thousands about something that really matters to you. What do you have to say? We’re going to explore that kind of situation this week, as it related to some of the first Christians, particularly Peter. He got put on the spot to speak – to do the very thing Jesus had told him to do – would he know what to say? Question: What is the largest group you’ve ever addressed? What did you have to say? Was it what you’d planned to say?

From Series: "Pioneer Story"

We read through the Book of Acts as a Pioneer Story for the church.

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