All Work Is Kingdom Work
How does reading through the Proverbs make you feel?
Maybe it’s shame and guilt, knowing we probably don’t quite measure up. The standard it sets is so high. Maybe it’s some pride. Especially if our life is going pretty well. Because, according to some readings of the Proverbs, we could be tempted to think that the blessings we enjoy are a sign we’re doing this life stuff right. And maybe others are just doing it wrong.
But, as a group, the Table is slowing down a little to put Proverbs in their proper place. We’re learning that the Proverbs are not promises, formulas, or commands. They are observations on how a loving creator made the world to operate at its best. The writers don’t spend time on the exceptions that happen as a result of living in a fallen world. But, as people of the inbreaking Kingdom of God, we’re realizing that the wisdom God gives is still a beautiful gift we can start living into in the here and now.
We’re also talking about how, because we believe in Jesus as God, scripture answers to him. So, we’re taking a look at the ways he shows up in Proverbs, how he explains them through his words in the gospel, and how he is the good and perfect King that Solomon could never truly be.
Some of the subjects Proverbs took us through this past month have made for excellent conversation at our gatherings. We looked at how much our words matter, the problem with pride, and the purpose of work.
Work was particularly relevant for all of us because our group just happened to be dealing with a lot of extra work stress this month. God knew. For example, we have several people in the medical profession who both took on new, higher stress roles within the last few weeks. We have someone in the culinary profession working through his first AZ Restaurant Week. One of us is a full time middle school teacher, and two of us substitute teach part time, and had some wonderfully wild stories. Maybe those stories involved 100 miniature pink flamingos and a full tissue box.
We also have those who work in non-conventional and even unpaid work roles. Volunteers, retired prayer warriors and relationship maintainers, parents transporting children, checking in on each other, and supporting the surrounding community. Students, preparing for the future, kicking a soccer ball, playing their instruments, and memorizing scripts “as unto the Lord.”
Work is hard, even in some of the best circumstances. But did you know that even Adam and Eve had work to do? Because before the fall into sin it was clear work was a gift, giving purpose, health, and a way to connect with God. Without the current ditches of laziness and unrestrained work addiction, it’s meant to be something holy. Kingdom work.
Some kingdom work is obvious, such as being set apart to be pastors or missionaries. But, all work is kingdom work when we look for Jesus in it.
The chef asks himself, “If Jesus was a chef, what would the atmosphere of that kitchen be like?”
The soccer player asks, “If Jesus was on my team, what kind of team would this be?”
We want to always be aware that Jesus leads The Table, not us. And that should impact what kind of group we become.
But, as we reach inward, upwards, and outwards, we want to be mindful of the idea that Jesus is on the school parent boosters board with us. He’s checking out books at the library, and filling up his tank with gas. And, as we consider that, may we use whatever work we do to make it a little more “on earth as it is in heaven.”
We hope you join us as we spend some more time in the Proverbs, talking through what true wisdom looks for us today. Our plan is to be at Ramada 5 of Skyline park from 4-6 p.m., October and November. Reach out if you’d like to connect! Christy@thetablenaz.church.
