It’s time to stop measuring your value by what you do
“Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!
Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.”
Ephesians 5:11-17 (MSG)
The words of Paul in his letter to the Ephesians might be easily ignored as contextual. While all of Paul’s letters are contextual and should be looked at through that lens, we should still consider how they apply to us today.
So what is Paul talking about here? That we shouldn’t work? No. Of course, we all need to work to survive and help one another. However, it’s how we view or use our work that can become an issue.
Your work shouldn’t define you
It’s amazing that something written so long ago can still be so applicable today. We push ourselves and make ourselves overwhelmed, distracted and anxious, and often feel like we don’t have enough time for God.
We need to stop letting this be our normal way of life.
When we don’t prioritize our lives, we overextend ourselves and feel worn out and stressed. We need to change our priorities and dictate our future how we want it to be, not how our work defines it.
We’re all pressured to live at the pace of our fast culture. It’s hard to say no to it and give up what makes us feel successful or validated. However, when we remember that Jesus has already validated us and that we don’t need to do anything to prove our value, we can give ourselves a break.
When we remember this, we can slow down, rest, and make time to enjoy our lives and enrich our spirituality.
Ask yourself what your priorities are in life and how they dictate your future. Do you like the direction you’re heading? If not, it’s time to take a moment, turn to God, and remember that you are worthy and deserve to live a fulfilling life.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. We are currently going through a new sermon series titled “To Hell With Normal.” It’s all about redefining what we consider normal in life as we seek to make our lives more like the way Jesus would have them to be.
Do you want to grow in your faith or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.