“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9–11)
Our reading this month is filled with verses on the subject of work. In Proverbs, we are told to work (12:11), and are warned against laziness (6:6–11). We are told in Galatians to focus on our own works and not to compare ourselves, and what we do, with others (6:4). However, the one theme I see all throughout Scripture is that of working for salvation.
In Exodus and especially Leviticus, there are many chapters dedicated to offerings. The Israelites were given specific instructions on how and what to offer to God for forgiveness of sin, in times of distress, and as thanksgiving. It was a lot of work! The details are so specific that I’m sure it was overwhelming––not to mention how often they had to perform these sacrifices. They were constantly working.
And then things changed. Someone came Who did all the work for us, in advance. He came and gave us freedom from the constant work for our forgiveness. Christ came and died for our sin and became the ultimate, final sacrifice for us. This doesn’t mean that we can or should just sit idly by and do nothing with our lives (Luke 9:23), but it does mean that the constant work for our salvation has been done for us. In this way, no one can take credit for the work that has been done except God Himself. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8–10, emphasis mine). And once we’re saved, it’s still not us doing the work for His kingdom! He is working in us! “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20, emphasis mine). “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).
God reminds us in Galatians that we are no longer slaves, but sons (4:7). Slaves have to work for their master’s approval. But we are sons and daughters. Children do not work for their Father; He has an inheritance for them. Once we are saved, we are free in Christ. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). However, this freedom does not excuse us to do whatever we want. If we are children of God, His Spirit lives in us (1 Corinthians 3:16); if His Spirit lives in us, then our lives should be reflecting that (Romans 8:9). This freedom He gives allows us to rest in the assurance of our salvation (Hebrews 10:22).
This month, as we’re focusing our theme on careers and work, let’s not forget our main work, which is brought about in us by the Holy Spirit, and is to be for God’s glory.
By Lisa Grimenstein
Suggested Reading for June
JUNE 1 Ex 33-36
JUNE 2 1 Kings 1-4
JUNE 3 Ps 63-65
JUNE 4 Prov 1
JUNE 5 Jer 47-52
JUNE 6 Luke 7-8
JUNE 7 Gal 4-6
JUNE 8 Ex 37-40
JUNE 9 1 Kings 5-9
JUNE 10 Ps 66-68
JUNE 11 Prov 2-3
JUNE 12 Lamentations
JUNE 13 Luke 9-10
JUNE 14 Eph 1-3
JUNE 15 Lev 1-3
JUNE 16 1 Kings 10-13
JUNE 17 Ps 69-71
JUNE 18 Prov 4
JUNE 19 Ezek 1-6
JUNE 20 Luke 11-12
JUNE 21 Eph 4-6
JUNE 22 Lev 4-6
JUNE 23 1 Kings 14-18
JUNE 24 Ps 72-74
JUNE 25 Prov 5-6
JUNE 26 Ezek 7-12
JUNE 27 Luke 13-14
JUNE 28 Phil 1-2
JUNE 29 Lev 7-9
JUNE 30 1 Kings 19-22
This year’s Bible reading plan was borrowed from BibleReading.com. (To correspond with the 2009 year, we have included actual dates for your referral. You may choose to use the above site, instead.)
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” -2 Timothy 2:15
For some of you, your career choices may seem limited, but you can remain steadfast in the Lord, and withstand the trials you’ll face! For others, you may be blessed with a wide range of career opportunities, and you should choose wisely! Simply having a job is a blessing these days, but we must not forget to keep reality in view and be constant in representing Him.
When choosing your career, make sure it is something you will enjoy. Often, people are asked why they do what they do, and they reply “for the pay.” But, in my opinion, it is greater to do something you truly are passionate about. That way, you will be able to use the talents God has given you to their fullest, and you will be joyful in using them! This doesn’t excuse us, however, from being joyful in our work and using our talents when in a job that is not our passion.
Ephesians 6:7 “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”
This is among the most important things to remember. Consider who you are representing––God and His church. It’s all too common to see carwashes where the young women and girls are dressed to turn heads. So it’s a little hot. Remember that you’re not doing this to impress everyone that drives or stops by. You’re doing this to serve others, and ultimately, God! Wear something comfortable that you don’t mind getting messy and wet, but don’t dress in anything that is going to be inappropriate––before or after getting wet.
I really value good, clean music. First of all, who doesn’t love music? Music can be a great way to relax and unwind, and can be common ground between friends. But music can be very harmful too. There is so much out there that just pollutes the mind and causes us to develop an insensitivity to the things that hurt us spiritually. So, when I find a good song, it gains a spot on my mental list of favorites. I know how hard it can be for teens to stay away from the popular entertainment sources, but we are called to be different––and that’s an honor! Why should we be cautious to keep our minds pure? Read 
Keep CDs of songs that have a clean, positive message on hand. (Make mix CDs!) If you drive, keep those CDs in the vehicle so you will not be tempted to listen to inappropriate songs that may be on the radio. 
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in dating, and spending fun time with our significant other, that we can easily forget to help others. Serving God is something that we should all be doing––and it is certainly something couples can do together 
Be early. If your evening begins at 6:00, be there at 5:30 to turn on the lights, set up the activities, and to make sure everything is ready and that dangerous objects are put away.
It’s spring, and summer is quickly approaching. For most, this is a great time of year that brings newness and excitement. But for others, it is hard to get into a good mood. From time to time we all get the “blues.” We feel sad, lonely, disappointed, or rejected. But for some, these feelings can intensify into a state of depression that is not easy to get out of. Many people believe depression is something that affects only adults, but that is not so either.
It is important to note that just because you may be sad it doesn’t mean you are suffering from depression. Depression is usually characterized by the signs listed above that last more than two weeks. Most of us will have bad moods occasionally, but they’re usually a result of our sinful nature such as selfishness or unrighteous anger. When you find yourself in a bad mood, go to God in study and prayer for help in overcoming the sin that may be causing your bad mood.
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