The Wicket Gate

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Scripture:

Colossians 3: 23 – 4: 6

Questions to Consider:

1. In what ways can self-sufficiency become a barrier to our relationship with God?
2. How does depending on God transform everything we do?

Reflection:

Most often it is easier to look at the negatives of what it looks like to not rely on God for everything. I know for me, when I consider this topic, I begin to evaluate the areas that need improvement or where I can do better. This is common and not necessarily bad, as that type of introspection is necessary. However, we must not neglect what it looks like in a positive sense to rely on God.

Our text this morning tells us that whatever we do, work heartily, as for the Lord. To abide in Christ and to rely on God means that everything we do is ultimately for him and for his purpose. Abiding in Christ transforms or elevates the common and mundane to a holy work for the grand purpose of God. Just as self-sufficiency can be a barrier to our relationship with God because all our work is from us and to us, depending on God heightens and deepens not just our relationship but everything else in life because all our work is from him and to him.

The self-sufficient person begrudgingly cleans the house or types an email, or mows the grass thinking only of getting done with that task so they can do something more enjoyable. But for the one who relies on God such work is holy work unto God. Such ordinary work, unto God, is kingdom building work. But how can God transform and elevate sweeping the floor into a kingdom building work? To that I say, how can he transform a sinner into the righteousness of Christ? I don’t know, but our God has a way of taking what is low, debased, and seemingly meaningless and making shine gold for his glory.

This thought is best summed up and articulated in the poem by George Herbet called “The Elixir”. I leave you this morning with this treasure.

Teach me, my God and King, In all things Thee to see, And what I do in anything To do it as for Thee. Not rudely, as a beast, To run into an action; But still to make Thee prepossest, And give it his perfection. A man that looks on glass, On it may stay his eye; Or if he pleaseth, through it pass, And then the heav’n espy. All may of Thee partake: Nothing can be so mean, Which with his tincture—”for Thy sake”— Will not grow bright and clean. A servant with this clause Makes drudgery divine: Who sweeps a room as for Thy laws, Makes that and th’ action fine. This is the famous stone That turneth all to gold; For that which God doth touch and own Cannot for less be told. – The Elixir (1633)

Prayer:

Lord help to to rely on you for everything and help me today and everyday to do everything for you and for your glory. Thank you, Lord, that you have transformed all that I do into something useful and purposeful for your kingdom. Please help me to see these and do all unto you. In Jesus name, Amen.