2019-12-03
I started my Monday morning as I always do, reading Jordan Raynor’s weekly devotional. Although most of these posts always have a powerful impact on my day, this one was a much-needed energizer to start my week. So I am sharing in hopes that it might do the same for you.
Before I go on, let me preface a little, Jordan Raynor is the author of one of my absolute favorite books Called to Create. This book helped me realize that our creative God wants us to see our work as not just a daily grind but a service to Him. When you view it like this, your entire outlook changes. It is not about creating a name for yourself, it is about finding His will in your work and serving Him to impact others for His glory.
Today’s devotional is the first of 4 in his Creator, Carpenter, Gardener, King series that focuses on the “four separate appearances of our Lord —specifically, Jesus’s coming as creator, carpenter, gardener, and king”. This week’s focus was on Jesus the creator.
Jordan puts emphasis on the first line in our Bible… “In the beginning God created…” Genesis 1:1. As he points out, in the very first words, before there is any mention of Savior, love or holiness, God lets us know he is a creative, productive, working God.
“This truth carries the utmost significance for the work we do today. Work is not a fringe thing or a meaningless means to an end. Work is central to who God is, and thus, central to who we are as his image bearers.”
BOOM! Those strong words hit me like a brick. As an entrepreneur who often struggles to remember the purpose in the grind, I needed the reminder that it is God’s desire for us to use the tools He has given us to create in His name. As entrepreneurs, artists, storytellers, sales executives, marketers and other creators, for our work to bear his image means it isn’t to be taken lightly. Think about it, when God creates he does it with excellence, if we desire to reflect Him we must strive to do the same. We should do our best to use our God-given gifts for His will.
Jordan’s post reminded me that every day I need to show up, do my best, and let Him do the rest. That requires a great deal of trust (Prayer), discipline (Hustle) and confidence that ultimately it is God who will produce results from my works (Peace). No problem… I am not alone.
Have a blessed week! If you want to join Jordan’s weekly devotional here is the link.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. – Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
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