Sunday, September 2, 2012

Chasing The Wind


Chasing the Wind
courtesy photobucket.com
 
James 1:22-24  Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.

Gleaning from Pastor Jerry’s sermon as he read from first the Book of James; the church was facing trials and some Christians were giving special attention to those who were well to do and neglecting the homeless and poor.  James wanted the people to consider Faith without works is dead.

James is a practical book of instruction to work with our hands and to work for God.  Not just talk, but to put action to our words.

Work should be productive and enjoyable.  Often we work, work to receive a pay check  We need to consider that our work is benefiting ourselves and others as well.

Pastor also read from the book of Ecclesiastes where it is more pessimistic in its approach to labor.  Did the significance of what was accomplished take up all my time and life in general just passed me by?

Ecclesiastes 2:11 NIV Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

We must not allow work to shut out our service to God.  Work and deeds must be kept in perspective.

Work from a CEO to a trash collector is important.  Some would question the need for a Pastor. 

Pastor suggested that when a Pastor leaves a church that he should sever ties with his former congregation.  There is no place for vanity and we must not take ourselves too seriously.

What does our “work” do to make a difference?  James says work brings joy.  I planted another watered and yet another reaped the harvest.

On the walls of a university and also hospitals, and some churches, are photos of past Presidents, directors and Pastors.  These are reminders of those who left us a legacy.  They established us with skills and equipped us to help others.
Courtesy photobucket
What ever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might as unto the Lord for what is done for Christ will last.

We are not just chasing the wind. 

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday




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