Recently I've been leading the Tuesday night youth group through what I have titled "Wisdom Talks." We've been going through a lot of passages from the book of Proverbs as well as some of the parables and teachings of Jesus.
So far we've discussed and prayed through passages dealing with what wisdom is in a general sense, according to God's definition, stewardship with our "talents," and most recently the concept of Work. We looked at scripture and it was revealed how God has provided us with work as a gift in the physical / natural realm of life and has also called us to work in our spiritual life as well.
We live in a fat and lazy society. We have grown comfortable and complacent. And all of this has leaked into our spiritual walks and has impeded our health and growth as Christ's body. Our muscles have atrophied, God says "Work. Work for My kingdom and the calling I have placed on your life. Be a witness, disciple others and be discipled. Break a sweat and endure the hardships...it's worth it. I have a plan for your life and a purpose but you must be diligent to listen to My instructions. Son, daughter: I love you. Now go and work with all the strength, joy, talent, personality, and passion I've planted in you."
Do a little bit of homework. Work for me a little...check out the following passages, and I hope that you will be challenged, broken, and rebuilt as I was:
Proverbs 6:6-11
Proverbs 30:25-28
2 Thessalonians 3:6-12
Philippians 2:12