“To equip God’s people to do His work.” Ephesians 4:12 NLT
Your world is the reach of your touch in the circle of influence of daily life and occupation.
My thoughts and comments today are about the “under-employed.”
New categories have been added to national unemployment statistics. Not only are unemployment percentages at unacceptable levels, but now the government also tracks the percentages of people “under-employed” as well as those “no longer looking for work.” As I understand, that describes discouraged people who no longer look for work of any kind. In addition, there are under-employed workers who cannot find work, settling for minimum wage or part-time positions.
This is an economic tragedy in too many individuals and families. These percentages are not mere numbers; they represent real individuals and families struggling to pay their bills and properly care for themselves. There is an incalculable toll on people’s lives, finances, marriages, relationships, morale, and emotional well being.
But let’s change the focus and talk about the church – you and me. The Church is not a place; it is people. You and I, and everyone who claims Jesus as Savior, are the Church. The sad fact is that the church’s unemployment numbers far exceed the national statistics. In the Church, there are too many unemployed, under-employed, and some just not looking for work. This is not because of circumstance but by choice. It is commonly believed that in any endeavor twenty percent contribute eighty percent of the income needed and do eighty percent of the work required for its success. The other eighty percent in the Church are under-employed or no longer looking for work, content to simply watch the others at work.
In the Apostle’s practical instructions to the Christ-followers at Ephesus, Paul wrote, “[Christ] is the one who gave these gifts to the church . . to equip God’s people to do His work . . as each [one] does their own special work, it helps others grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Read Ephesians 4:10-16 NLT. God’s intention for His Church is full employment; everyone “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:17 NKJV. In the Kingdom of God, no unemployment, nor under-employment, nor people no longer looking for work is intended. For everyone willing to do so there is enough to do.
Know this, other people’s daily and eternal lives depend on your being fully engaged in God’s work. Years ago, I read a statement that continues to challenge me: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do.” That should be your Godly mind-set each day. Jesus promised your success, “Anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works . .” John 14:12 NLT. What can you do for God and others that you are not doing?
Now let’s personalize this by honestly asking, “Am I doing everything God wants me to do for the work He has gifted and called me to do in my world?” I would define a person’s world in this way: “the reach of one’s touch in the circle of influence of your daily life and occupation.” No one else’s failure to do what they can justifies another’s lack of being fully employed in everyday matters of the Kingdom. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV. There is no suitable justification for anyone of us to be under-employed in the Kingdom of God here on earth. Let us capture the heart of Jesus when He said, “I must be about My Father’s business.” Luke 2:49 NKJV. The Father’s business is touching hearts and changing lives. Because only what touches the heart has the power to change a life.
My prayer for you today is that your efforts will have the power to touch a heart and change a life today.