Today’s Word: I had the daunting task last night to make a bus shelter for my two boys. I have to say, I did not expect to still be working on it so late into the evening. A storm front was moving in and it was very windy and cold. As I peered through the early darkness, I was able to see my wife reclining comfortably in her chair; all snug and warm under her thickest blanket. Part of me wanted to stop what I was doing and commune with my wife; however, somehow I was enjoying what I was doing. Yes it was cold, and yes my fingers were cramping up from overuse. But the excitement of accomplishing the task outweighed the comfort of the house. It was not always like that for me. I remember a few years back when I finished my first pastorate. I found myself in a season of laziness. During that time, I would have done anything to do absolutely nothing. And just like alcoholism, adultery, or drugs, I found myself turning toward laziness instead of Christ.
The Word of God has a few scriptures that teach us about those who turn to laziness instead of Christ. Proverbs 20:4 reveals, “The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing” What the scripture is trying to say is that even the lazy person expects good things to transpire in his or her life. Yet if we do not reap, we will not sow. If we fail to put in the work, we will not be able to enjoy the results of our labor. The Word for today is that there is joy in working. As I sat on the ground in the cold, I felt the joy of Christ because I was accomplishing a simple task. And when the project was finally done, I was able to step back and enjoy the finished project. The joy was in the harvest, knowing that my children would have a fun and warm place to wait for the bus. What fun it was, the next morning, as I stood with my kids in their new bus stop. So what tasks have been put before us today? How long is our honey do list? Let us take on the day filled with Christ’s power, so when the time for harvest comes, we will be able to enjoy the fruits of our labors.