Friday, November 21, 2008

Hard Work

 It takes hard work to get anything done in this world. If you want to do something significant, you must do significant work.

 

Those who do the minimum, the status quo— who continually think of how to contribute as little as possible in any given situation — always remain minimal in their impact on the world around them. If a person wants to be successful or impacting in life, they must be willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the task that they has been asked to perform.

 

As Paul continues to tell us about his life experiences in Second Corinthians 11:27, he lets us know he was willing to do very hard work. For him, there was no clock to punch with his time card, nor any employee manual to specify how many days of vacation he takes off each year. Paul's whole life was his calling. He could not separate who he was from what he was called to do.. Paul took ownership. Can you RELATE?

 

His identity and purpose for living was wrapped up in the life assignment God had given him. Because of this, every minute he lived and breathed was devoted to fulfilling his divine assignment. Paul was willing to do anything required to fulfill that call.

 

In Weariness

Paul uses the words "in weariness" to describe the incredible effort, toil, and physical exertion he put forth to fulfill God's calling on his life. It is also used in Second Corinthians 11:23, where Paul told us that he worked harder than anyone else he knew. To combat weariness means that one would have to endure, muscle strains, struggles of fatigue, and emotional anguish to push forward and complete the job. This effort requires total concentration and devotion.

 

Many people have the misconception that ministry is primarily comprised of sitting around praying and reading the Bible. The truth is there is a price to pay. It is the sacrifice of one's life. This is why Paul referred to it as "the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:12). A great deal of hard work is required to fulfill one's ministry effectively and responsibly. Submission of my will to His will.

 

One must be willing to give their life to the task of pushing back the kingdom of darkness and establishing newly saved people into a stable and mature Christian walk. Effective Christian walk requires a person to work hours, to be focused, to crucify his flesh, and to do whatever is necessary to see God's Kingdom furthered.

 

One must fight off the devil's attacks with the living Word of God, deal with people's instability, deliberately decide not to be hurt or wounded by those who disappoint him, and spend enough time with God to always have a fresh word from Heaven.

 

Let me tell you from personal experience— to do all this effectively demands my entire life. This is why Paul called it the "work of the ministry." To prepare for a healing workshop or a time of speaking to the body takes concentrated effort, before and after engagements, to remain in fellowship with Chirst—to empty my mind of self talk, self needs, and personal family desires.

 

In Painfulness

Paul uses the phrase "in painfulness" to tell us the extent to which he had worked to achieve God's purposes. The word painfulness has to do with the idea of struggle or to work so hard that he is about to collapse. He is exhausted from physical labor. His job demanded a level of physical commitment beyond what is considered normal. But the job needed to be done, so he kept pushing, pushing, and pushing himself further and further. Like it or not, it was not a time to rest.

 

I believe I have just begun to understand the ministry as Paul describes.

 

Paul's entire life was consumed with and committed to fulfilling what God called him to do. It was the driving motivation of his life and the purpose for his existence. NOT A 9 TO 5. GOTTA MAKE A LIVING. 

 

The only thing "painful" about Paul's consuming drive to obey God was the toll ot took on his body. Our flesh always wants to take an easier, lazier course of action.— can you relate?

 

You must understan that when you come to the end of yourself God takes over. His grace is sufficient for us all. We need to rejoice in our weakness, knowing that His power will kick in. God's power enabled Paul to push beyond a normal capacity of human strength. Because Paul had a heart to never fail or give up, God's power came upon him and empowered him to do what other men and women could not physically do—that is the heart motivation I want!

 

Do you want to be super successful in life? Then you must go above and beyond what everyone else is doing. In order to achieve something spectacular, you have to do something spectacular. Think beyond yourself. I am considering Paul for a role model!

 

I urge you today to take a good look at your work habits and to evaluate what kind of worker you really are. If you continue at the same pace and level of excellence you are working at today, where will you be in five years?

 

To get to a place of greater responsibility, authority, and blessing, what changes do you need to make in the way you work?

 

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