On Monday April 15 we had our 3rd large group where Tim talked about...
Most of us at Caltech will at some point be overwhelmed by how much work we have to do. At those times, we may start to wonder what the point to all of our work is. Why do we work so hard? And what should we do when we feel overwhelmed?
(Read the rest of the post to find out the rest!)
“First, God wills work because when we work in reliance on his power and according to his pattern of excellence, his glory is made known and our joy is increased” (Genesis 1:27-28). God is glorified by the beauty of his creation. Because we are made in God’s image, we also are creative.
“So what is the difference between a human being at work and a beaver at work? Or for that matter, a bee, or a hummingbird? They work hard; they subdue their surroundings and shape them into beautiful structures that serve good purposes. The difference is that humans are morally self-conscious and make choices about their work on the basis of motives which may or may not honor God.”
Second, we work to provide for our own needs. Before the Fall, Adam and Eve did not have to worry about providing food or clothing for themselves. Because of the Curse, this work is often difficult (Genesis 3:17-19). God’s grace to us does not remove this requirement. We are still told that “if anyone will not work, let him not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). However, in our struggle, we are also promised that God will meet our needs (Matthew 6:25-33).
Third, we work to provide for the needs of others. We are first of all called to provide for our own families and relatives (1 Timothy 5:8). We are also promised to be rewarded for generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6).
Fourth, our work provides opportunities for us to share the gospel (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). When unbelievers see that attitude in which we do our work, they will be drawn to Christ. God wants us to be “scattered like salt through all legitimate vocations.”
Learning about this may encourage us that our work is worth doing. But when we are feeling overwhelmed, how should we respond?
The world is full of people anxious about their future. But we don’t need to eat “the bread of anxious toil” (Psalm 127:1-2). There are two interpretations of verse 2. One is that God can help us sleep. The other is that God gives to us while we sleep, that “he can accomplish more good for those who trust him while they sleep than they can accomplish with anxious labor while awake. “
Why did God design us to sleep? Piper argues that in our sleep we can be reminded that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Piper’s personal story:
“I remember a time a few years ago when I went through some weeks of not being able to get to sleep. Even my reasonings about why it was futile to be anxious kept me awake. The solution finally came in the form of a scene that I brought before my eyes each night.
I was on a boat in a rough sea and the crew was working with frenzy to keep the bow into the wind and secure all the cargo. As I climbed down into the small hold of the ship there was Jesus asleep on the cot. There was no tension in his face and his head rocked back and forth with the waves. I walked over and shook his shoulder, "Jesus, I can't sleep; please help me." He got up slowly, moved to the end of the cot, and sat down. He motioned me to lie down and put my head in his lap. Then with his hand on my shoulder he said, ‘I'll take care of you tonight, and don't worry. I'll be sure you are ready for class tomorrow.’
I can't tell you how many nights I went to sleep in that position. But there were a lot. And I still go there when sleep won't come. For he gives to his beloved in sleep.”
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