My three-year-old asked me the other day, “Do you work for Jesus?”
I considered my reply and joyfully answered, “Yes. I try my best to work for Jesus.”
He responded, “He [Jesus] wants everybody to do their own work. He [Jesus] wants my work to be playing.”
My heart warmed at the wisdom and correctness of his thoughts and our conversation. We have all been given this one wonderful life to use in work for Jesus. God gave each of us unique abilities, aptitudes, and passions. He has called us to use this one precious life in work that is pleasing to him (and to us, I assert). My husband, Reverend Mark Allio, always says, “Do what you are passionate about because that is what the world needs…people who are more passionate.”
God made you with certain passions and interests to make a difference in this world. In his book, Things That Matter, Joshua Becker writes, “Your most important work will never be the easiest—in fact, it will probably be one of the hardest things you ever do. Being an intentional parent, loving spouse, faithful employee, inspirational artist, good boss, or selfless member of the community is never the easiest road to travel. But in the long run, there is more joy and happiness to be found there than anywhere else.”
Our example of selfless and intentional living comes from Jesus, who intentionally remained focused on heaven. Practicing spiritual disciplines of prayer, acts of service, Bible reading, enjoying nature, and fellowship with other believers (to name a few) can be useful for helping us as humans to “set our hearts on things above”. We must be careful that our acts are done in secret as it exhorts in Matthew 6 “17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
I ask that you be in prayer about how you can use your gifts to glorify God through service in our church. You may feel that you have nothing to offer, but I assert that even the most humble gifts, given with a generous heart, have the power to make a huge difference. You have wisdom and talents that may fill a niche here at Saxonburg Memorial Church.
And, as an aside, playing IS the work of childhood (as Ty had previously stated). It is through play that children learn how to problem solve, cooperate with others, reenact real life events, be creative, explore, learn, and grow. As adults, we can guide and facilitate that learning and be an example of loving-kindness to others and ourselves.
Many opportunities for service are available during the Vacation Bible School and in our “Ways to Serve” section of the bulletin. Prayerfully consider how you can join the momentum of God’s amazing work!
Carrie Allio
Director of Children & Family Ministry
kidsandfamily@saxonburg.org