What do I control?

One of the most anticipated holidays for some is Labor Day. The weather begins the journey by getting cooler, and many get a three-day weekend. Who could complain about that?

Our excitement over a three-day weekend is unparalleled. Just to get a break from the ‘norm’ and be able to put down the schoolbooks/work documents for a day is uplifting. For those who don’t get a break on this day, “Thank You” for serving. It’s because of you that our way of life can continue.

I began to think about work. What does it mean to us? For many, it’s a thorn in their flesh…but it pays the bills.  For others, it’s a dream that they get paid to do what they love every day.  Where would we be without work? Where would our world and country be without men and women who sacrifice so much so that others can benefit?

I have noticed in my own life there is a work going on within me - far above my pay grade.  I Corinthians 6:19 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” (NLT)

(Flowers in Bel Air, MD)

*We work and get the feeling…‘I earned this.’

*We are given gifts and abilities and we think…‘I am this or that.’
*We work harder and accomplish more, and we take on a sense of entitlement that - ‘I did…I deserve…I’m boss of this thing.’

And we so soon forget that we are not our own.

Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. . .”

In our well-meaning hard work, we’ve lost the understanding that GOD alone must be the builder. What we control is the surrender. We must put to death our sense of entitlement…’I’ve worked hard enough to be owed a few things now.’

Our surrender must be:
…I’ll go where You want me to go.
…I’ll do what You want me to do.
…and, God, I’ll do it without expectation of anything in return. For my reward is not in this world but in the one to come.

The great faith chapter (Hebrews 11) shares in vs. 8: “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. 

9. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. 

10. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.”

Work hard. Accomplish much. Set and obtain the highest of goals. Just make sure it’s God who’s building your temple.

Enjoy this three-day weekend!!

(Park Bench in Bel Air, MD)
(Find one & enjoy your day off)

For ordering of blog pictures, visit:

www.morningjogphotography.smugmug.com