“Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most of the good and advantage of mankind in general…”
Resolution #1 (cont…)
Handle Responsibility For The Good and Advantage of Mankind
Most of the time, we think our Christian duties to only remain in the sphere of church ministry, fellowship and home life; however, our Christian duties must reach the outside, secular world, as well. Oh, how we miss out on the blessing of acknowledging the work of God in our everyday lives! God created us to glorify Him in and outside of church, including at our workplace.
Your coworkers may not see you on Sunday mornings while you sing to the Lord, but they see you during your lunch break. What’s the impression you give? Your coworkers may not see how helpful you are at your church, but they see what you do and how you do job tasks at work. Do you work in manner worthy of the Lord? Friends, it’s displeasing to God when we claim to be Christians, read our bibles and pray in front of people while being lazy,dishonest and difficult to work with.
Consider the following quote by Pastor Voddie Baucham: “Hard work is a Biblical command. Hard work should be done for glory to God, seeking excellence in all my hands find to do. I may be a street cleaner, but I should have the cleanest streets in the city, because I clean them to the glory of God.”
The Puritans understood this almost perfectly. English Puritan clergyman and pastor, Richard Baxter taught to give God all the glory in our daily lives at the job. Below are only 3 points he covered:
- Remember your supervisor’s authority over you is appointed by God.
- “Reverence the Providence of God which calls you to a servant’s life and do not murmur at your low condition. Know your mercies and be thankful for them. Though perhaps You have more labor than your master, yet you have less Care than he does. Most servants would have quieter lives Were it not for their unthankful, discontented hearts.” – Richard Baxter
- There is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. (Romans 13:1)
- Remember you’re working for our Lord, Jesus Christ.
- “Take yourselves to be God’s servants and your work as His. Do all for the Lord and not only for men. And expect from Him your chief reward.” – Richard Baxter
- And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)
- Work well, regardless of your supervisor’s lack of good attitude, work ethic or fairness.
- “Be conscientious and faithful in performing all the labor and duty of a servant. Do not neglect the business you have to do. Don’t do it lazily, or deceitfully, or by halves.” – Richard Baxter
- Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. (1 Peter 2:18)
The points above are 3 of the 12 points Baxter produced for his readers; however, all his points can be summarized by the law of Christ, which is to love God and love others.
As believers, graciously redeemed by the blood of Christ, we are eternally indebted to this holy service of honoring and glorifying God in all that we do. We are called to live a life of godliness and holiness, which does not mean to walk around with a “holier than thou” attitude. In all reality, we ought to be more loving, more charitable, more gracious, more merciful and more humble to all people for their benefit, including those who may not deserve it. Friends, strive for excellence and maximum effectiveness in all that you do in this life for the glory and honor of God.
Scripture Meditation
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (Titus 3:8)
