Poster Archive : SEPTEMBER 2011
Message:Occupational Illusion
Bible verse: “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?.” (Mark 8:36)
The myth of the lazy Australian was debunked long ago. One study found that we work harder than anyone in the western world.
The fact is we’re all working long hours. But what for? Food, clothing and shelter? Most Australians already have the basics. So why do we work so hard? What are we striving for?
Perhaps, in a moment of quiet reflection, we hope for a better existence in the future. Where we finally achieve our goals. When at last we have that job or get married or pay off the house, or build the extension, or go on that trip … and so we finally arrive at that wonderful and better state of life.
In the meantime we work hard. And hard work is good. It’s satisfying to achieve something you’ve worked for. But working is not what life is ultimately about. It’s an illusion to think that we’ll find our purpose in work.
And as life quickly passes, we never do arrive at that wonderful state. You see when you finally get the promotion or the seat by the window in the office, or that raise in salary, then what? What’s next? There are always difficulties in life and another mountain to climb while the clock of life keeps counting down.
Yes… it’s really satisfying to achieve good things in life, but work won’t satisfy the heart. No Olympic medal ever completed a person. And the wealthiest people on the planet aren’t the happiest.
It’s why Jesus says, “What good is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” The soul wasn’t meant for endless work. It was made to rest in God. Even God rests after his great act of creation. And if it’s good enough for God, then surely it’s wise for us to rest.
The only place a soul can rest properly is in God. And God wants us to rest in him. Jesus describes himself as literally ‘Lord of the rest’. Here’s an invitation to rest from Jesus:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 11).
Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive my foolish ambitions and lack of contentment. Help me to rest my soul in your son Jesus.Amen.
