I have personally experienced and witnessed the undeniable magnitude of people who firmly believe that getting a job (working a 9-5) is a must; that it's the only way we can expect to provide for ourselves and our families. Worse yet, some believe it's the only way we can expect the Lord to bless us. I understand now, it stems from pure fear of "doing the right thing", A.K.A. not understanding God's promises.
Think about this...When you receive an inheritance from a family member who has passed away; you get a big check in the mail or acquire a deed to property, you simply "receive" it because of who you are, your relationship with the deceased. You didn't have to work for it. The same goes for Jesus. All who believe will "inherit" his kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven. This doesn't say all who believe will have to work to earn their inheritance. I don't write this article for myself, but rather for any of you who may be experiencing the same persecution. Isn't it interesting how people will believe the stories of Jesus and his disciples, because it's Jesus. But it's a whole other story when it's someone they know.
The Lord tells us specifically not to worry about food and clothing. The NIV version says, "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow? They do not labor or spin". The NLV says, "They don't work or make their clothing". Matthew 6:31-32 "Don't worry about these things; what will we eat, what will we drink, what will we wear. The pagans (unbelievers) run after these things, but your heavenly father knows you need them." Verse 33 says, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you". These things will be added, given to you. Not, you have to work to earn them.
There are stories all over the bible of men who left their homes and left their jobs to follow Jesus and the Lord provided for them. Paul made tents, but that wasn't his call; he was an Apostle who spread the good news. In Mark 1:16-19, Jesus went to 4 men whose commercial job was fisherman, and he told them to leave their fathers and their nets (their homes and their jobs) to follow him. Nowhere in scripture does it say they ever went back to fish because they were running low on cash. As a matter of fact, Jesus told them to go out with nothing, on purpose. In Luke 22, Jesus asked his disciples, "When I sent you out to preach the good news and you did not have money, a travelers bag or extra clothing, did you lack anything?" Their answer was no. In Luke 8, is the story of how various women provided for Jesus and his disciples out of their own properties and personal belongings. But you don't hear that message preached often.
GOD'S NOT IMPRESSED
All through the old testament, the Lord revealed that the one thing he is concerned about most, is his relationship with his people. The Lord is not impressed by how hard you work or your manual labor capabilities. You're not being blessed because you're working hard. He delights in those who fear him and hope in his mercy (Psalm 147:10,11), not in those who work hard. Your favor comes by grace through faith, not because you worked hard to earn it.
The Lord is our provision and it's all about following his instruction. If he provides for you by means of you working 1 job, do it. If he tells you to work 3, work 3. If he tells you not to work, don't work. When you're doing what's considered "The Lord's work", you may not be receiving a weekly paycheck, but the Lord still provides by whatever means he sees fit, typically through other people, members of the body of Christ.
RESOURCES
Who is Your Provider?
A Real Man Isn't Defined by His Bacon
You Can't Wave a Debit Card at Satan
RESOURCES
Who is Your Provider?
A Real Man Isn't Defined by His Bacon
You Can't Wave a Debit Card at Satan
