Walking Off The Job!

What would it take to cause someone to walk off the job? An argument with the boss or another employee? A heightened sense of frustration over work conditions? A better job offer? Such a thing is generally not done lightly, but when it is, others may be caused to wonder if it is the wise thing to do? What is recognized as being of the greatest significance is what will ultimately determine whether one stays or goes.

When Jesus began calling others to follow Him, there were some who responded, “but first let me. . . .” (i.e. Luke 9:57-62) [Also note Jesus’ point regarding excusing self from the kingdom invitation. ( Luke 14:16-20)] There was something these were not ready to leave behind; at least not immediately. However, following Jesus brings many changes to life, including a SHIFTING OF PRIORITIES AND VALUES!

Note the response when Jesus called the first four disciples.
“(18) While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. (19) And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ (20) IMMEDIATELY THEY LEFT THEIR NETS and followed him. (21) And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. (22) IMMEDIATELY THEY LEFT THE BOAT AND THEIR FATHER and followed him.” ( Matthew 4:18-22 ESV)

Fishing had been their livelihood. It had been the family business. I would like to have seen the look on Zebedee’s face. I also wonder what kind of conversation may have taken place between any other fishermen who might have been there watching these four walk off the job. I don’t know how many years they had been involved in fishing, but when Jesus called them, they were willing to leave it behind!

Peter had a house and a wife. We know this because we read of Jesus entering Peter’s house and healing his mother-in-law. ( Matthew 8:14) Paul also mentioned Peter (Cephas) as having a “believing wife.” ( 1 Corinthians 9:5) However, THE BUSINESS of Peter’s life (and that of the other disciples) made a dynamic shift. We also must comes to grips with this as we step out in accepting Jesus’ invitation to follow Him.

What do we see as the REAL BUSINESS of our life? Teens, as you begin setting your goals for life, give this very serious consideration! Those beyond the teen years, perhaps there is the need to do some life reassessing. Certainly there is the need for working to make a living and provide for family ( 1 Timothy 5:8), but are we significantly occupied with fulfilling the LORD’S BUSINESS as we go through life? Even in the midst of fulfilling earthly responsibilities we must develop discernment toward how all of our life fits in with following Jesus. Walking with Him, that is a task of which we must never walk off, for no one can ever come close to a better and more glorious job offer than His with retirement benefits out of this world!

Have a great day KEEPING HIS BUSINESS OURS!
Carl

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