Employed Life!

One of the things children need to begin learning at a fairly early age, is that there are times when work must come before play. Children -- most often living for the present -- don’t always give thought to the consequences that come when needed tasks are not completed. Many times a child plays away the hours only to be faced with the frustration and drudgery of the work still to be done when it could have and should have been finished and out of the way earlier. However, when the chores are done first, the play time enjoyed afterward is often sweeter. When this is learned in childhood it helps provide a better focus on priorities in adulthood.

There is a lot about life that we can enjoy. Nevertheless, that is not what this life is all about. There are important tasks to be focused on that are of eternal significance.

I recently came across the following quotation: “Time for employment; eternity for enjoyment. This life for battle; the next for the crown.” [original source unknown]

As I considered what was being expressed in those words, my focus centered on the life of the Apostle Paul. When it comes to an example of SELFLESS SERVICE for the CAUSE OF CHRIST, Paul is one of the grand ones who sticks out in my mind. His life was marked by a diligence for spreading the Gospel of Jesus and expending himself in that SERVICE. Paul knew that this life was the time for employment in the work of God and that his rest would come later. He recognized the war that was raging and was a conscientious SERVANT of the Lord in the battle for righteousness.

Because Paul seemed to have his life priorities right, he was able to look back on his life and toward eternity with the following focus.

“(7) I HAVE FOUGHT the good fight, I HAVE FINISHED the race, I HAVE KEPT the faith. (8) Henceforth there IS LAID UP FOR ME THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” ( 2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV)

Knowing how he had been employed in SERVICE in this life, Paul could look forward to the enjoyment of the reward and rest God had promised. That promise was not just for Paul, but for us as well. There is SERVICE for the Lord our life is to be employed in now. May we also fight on loyally as SERVANTS of Christ, pressing on to the finish of life’s race, keeping the faith that we too may receive the victor’s crown.

Have a great day EMPLOYED IN SERVICE TO THE LORD!
Carl

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