10.8.11 "Life is a Paid Gig"

"Life is a Paid Gig"

Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Colossians 3:18-4:18
Psalm 78:59-72
Proverbs 24:28-29

The music majors in college had quite a variety of goals. Some wanted to go into recording, some into teaching, and some into performing. Some wanted to go into teaching because they loved it, and others, because of all the options, teaching was the safest choice. It was the safest choice because it was a pretty secure "paid gig". I remember some friends getting their first paid gig. They would play in an orchestra, or with a band and actually get a check. It was pretty cool.

We often have a different mindset when we're involved in something that we're paid to do versus something that we've just "volunteered" for. If there's cash involved, you can be sure we'll be on time. You can be sure that the work will be done. But hey, if I'm just volunteering, I'm doing you such a favor, that it's a bonus if I show up at all... right?

This type of "volunteer mentality" has no place in the Christian walk. If you view yourself as a volunteer, you can develop an unhealthy mindset. You don't have to show up for commitments, because you're "just a volunteer". You don't go the extra mile. You act as if you're doing the organization a favor.

Paul addresses this pretty directly. "Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for. And if you don't do your best for him, he will pay you in a way that you won't like - for he has no special favorites who can get away with shirking." Col. 3:23-25

We are created for Active Ministry Involvement. We have a Responsibility to use our gifts to serve others. When we develop the understanding that this is not optional, we put intensity into what we're doing. There is something incredible about the way the Lord takes our efforts and places his blessings upon them. There is fruit. We have to understand that this is an unchanging principle. We ARE being paid. One way or another. Remember the parable of the talents. We will be rewarded, or chastised for what we've done with what we've been given.

So much of our culture is based on the paycheck: getting the raise... payday, etc. We forget how temporary that is. It will not last. The reward of the Lord, however is eternal. He's watching! Work with all your might. There are no circumstances or relational issues that excuse you from this principle. Too many times people get "offended" into doing a bad job. If a church leader or someone at work says something that we take personally or take offense at, we "take our toys and go home." How do think the Lord looks at that? He's watching. And accounting.

The Responsibility of Active Ministry Involvement is universal. It applies in all circumstances no matter how difficult or easy. This is the "A" DREAM. We can't grow in maturity without getting this. To live with a volunteer mentality is like putting a glass ceiling on the maturing process in your life. 

Work as if this is a paid gig... because it is!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ