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Establish Proper Priorities
As Christian workers, we must never put our careers before God and our families. But how can we put lens on career without losing sight of God and family?
Let’s face it, in society the family is in serious trouble because careers are becoming more important than the family. It is not enough anymore to just work 40 hours a week. Now, people are choosing to work longer hours or get second jobs so that they can make more money to keep up with the Smiths and the Joneses. The family unity is disintegrating because husbands, wives, parents and children are more preoccupied with their professions than they are with their own families’ needs.
In the Bible, Eli, who was a Priest and Judge in Israel, was a man who spent more time working than he did to care for his families’ well being. In fact, Eli was so preoccupied with his career that he did not even know about the trouble that his children were in.
“Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people. No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the LORD’s people transgress. If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the LORD who will intercede for him? Nevertheless, they did not heed the voice of their father, because the LORD desired to kill them.” (1 Samuel 2:22-25)
Eli’s sons had followed in their father’s footsteps by both becoming priests. However, these two ministers of God became so immoral that they were sleeping with their co-workers. To make things even worse, their father, the Priest did not even know what was going on, even though everyone else did. Because he was spending too much time work, Eli had lost touch with his family. His children even lost respect for him (v. 25).
If a family unit wants to thrive, it must understand that God and family are more important than money and careers. Arguments and conflicts between family members arise when there is a misalignment in priorities. Often we hear arguments between family members like “I need to work, therefore no time for…” and “You rather work than …” How about we ask ourselves “what does God want us to do?” There is still a chance to find peace and balance when focus on work. And the chance is now. The new aligned and proper priority starts with being reconciled to God.
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ…be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Back to my question in the beginning, how can we focus on career without dropping God or family? We need to differentiate ourselves at work, so we can be recognized for higher positions. And in order to differentiate ourselves, we need to get out there and see what it takes to get what we want in a Godly way. We need to obtain more competencies. And we need to magnify our gifts from God, to shine for Him, have a meaningful life and sustain our faith and family.
Let us be ambassadors for Christ by reconciling to God, for God is love and He is the source of wisdom. Through the scripture, bible study, prayer, sermons, etc., we can know Him better, then know ourselves better Come and join us the Fall Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation in September.
Thursday, September 26, 2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, September 27-28, 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, September 29, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org