Word@Work Eph43 - Ephesians 4:14
Published: Tue, 11/25/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
DISASTER WITHOUT THE WORD AT WORK!
Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. (NIV)
The idea of babies being thrown to boiling seas in a gale seems a rather strong illustration. The implication is that the storm winds are created by so-called 'spiritual' teachers who are double-minded (cf James 1:6), unable to discern what is true and so are toying with every idea available. Others are deliberately and cunningly manipulative. Far from providing godly guidance and truth, that people can use to navigate safely through life, their own confusion stirs their listeners into a whirlpool of instability and insecurity.
Without the ministry of biblically gifted core leaders, Christians will not know what to believe. That will lead to a lack of assurance of salvation which will sap their confidence in this life, and give little real hope of the next: they will become a prey to all kinds of temptation. Some may be spiritually 'mugged' by those whose so-called 'ministry' gives them a platform for their own agenda, without any Divine authority. Without the clarity of Bible truth, even the most sincere and well meaning Christian can be led astray, or simply wander off.
Most of us spend more time in the workplace than anywhere else. That is where we make friendships that either build or destroy us. It is the place where we can be better known than in church, and yet where we can feel more isolated - so that fears can easily grip us, and truth can run in second place to error. But in many ways it is the ideal environment to apply Bible truth to life. That is why church leadership needs to keep a keen eye on the world of work, as well as on its own devotional life. The office prayer group or Bible study can have far more impact than you might imagine. Do you have such a group? If one exists, can you support it more and use the Bible to help and heal, to make wise decisions and godly relationships? If not, why not start one? Without truth in the centre, disaster awaits!
Prayer: Father God. I need to know Your wisdom each day at work, so that I can live for you rather than fighting against Your way. I know that your love will make for relationships with integrity, and Your truth will give clarity to decisions. Help me to encourage other Christians around me to work at applying Your truth, and learn how to rest in Your grace. Thank you for all the resources (in books, the media and the internet) from spiritually gifted church leaders to help me and my colleagues to honour Jesus. For His glory's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
The idea of babies being thrown to boiling seas in a gale seems a rather strong illustration. The implication is that the storm winds are created by so-called 'spiritual' teachers who are double-minded (cf James 1:6), unable to discern what is true and so are toying with every idea available. Others are deliberately and cunningly manipulative. Far from providing godly guidance and truth, that people can use to navigate safely through life, their own confusion stirs their listeners into a whirlpool of instability and insecurity.
Without the ministry of biblically gifted core leaders, Christians will not know what to believe. That will lead to a lack of assurance of salvation which will sap their confidence in this life, and give little real hope of the next: they will become a prey to all kinds of temptation. Some may be spiritually 'mugged' by those whose so-called 'ministry' gives them a platform for their own agenda, without any Divine authority. Without the clarity of Bible truth, even the most sincere and well meaning Christian can be led astray, or simply wander off.
Most of us spend more time in the workplace than anywhere else. That is where we make friendships that either build or destroy us. It is the place where we can be better known than in church, and yet where we can feel more isolated - so that fears can easily grip us, and truth can run in second place to error. But in many ways it is the ideal environment to apply Bible truth to life. That is why church leadership needs to keep a keen eye on the world of work, as well as on its own devotional life. The office prayer group or Bible study can have far more impact than you might imagine. Do you have such a group? If one exists, can you support it more and use the Bible to help and heal, to make wise decisions and godly relationships? If not, why not start one? Without truth in the centre, disaster awaits!
Prayer: Father God. I need to know Your wisdom each day at work, so that I can live for you rather than fighting against Your way. I know that your love will make for relationships with integrity, and Your truth will give clarity to decisions. Help me to encourage other Christians around me to work at applying Your truth, and learn how to rest in Your grace. Thank you for all the resources (in books, the media and the internet) from spiritually gifted church leaders to help me and my colleagues to honour Jesus. For His glory's sake. Amen.
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