SOME days I feel like the detail work never ends. I finish the paperwork for one project, and there’s another project waiting. I end one phone call, and the phone starts ringing again. At the very moment I begin to remember the spiritual, I’m swamped once more with the immediacy of worldly detail.
It’s easy to rationalise the purpose of life as revolving around a zillion worldly details. And since work consumes nearly one-third of life, it’s easy to let the worldly detail of work keep focus from the heavenly outcome of work. And that, my friend, is embarrassing.
God’s time is precious, and He can take it back any moment. When that happens, we’ll have to account to God. Were you overwhelmed by worldly detail, especially at work? Was I too busy to remember the heavenly outcome of work?
You’re right, worldly detail is important. Agencies could not function without it. The people we serve would be hurt if worldly detail was ignored. The media would justifiably attack if it sensed detail was neglected. And, frankly, we all would lose our jobs.
But as a Christian public servant, keep perspective. Remember, the people you serve need more hope and comfort than what is afforded just by worldly detail. Talk directly and frequently with God about that detail. Glorify Him always as you work through that detail. Do not forget why that detail is needed by Him. Just don’t get swamped by the detail.
Nothing today is more important than the heavenly outcome of work as you go about doing its worldly detail. At your Great Accounting, you want to show your work-life was more than a ton of worldly paperwork and phone calls having nothing to do with His glory and His Kingdom.
A zillion worldly details simply won’t cut it.
Reading
Psalm 39:4, (NKJV) Lord make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am.
Romans 14:12 (NKJV) So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
Prayer
Lord, help me. I get so caught up with worldly detail. I measure my worth with all the wrong tools and measures. Everything on this earth will fade to dust. Help me keep my eyes fixed on Your goals and not get swept away in worldly tasks. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
Author:
Angela Arbitter
MPA, International Justice Mission
Gulu, Uganda
Who are we?
The Robertson School of Government at Regent University prepares Christian public and non-profit servants for managerial and leadership positions at all levels of government, the non-profits, faith-based organisations and ministries, emergency management, social services, and healthcare.
The Christian Public Servant is sponsored by the Robertson School of Government at Regent University (Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA).
It is dedicated to public servants world-wide in all areas of government, non-profit management, health care, social work, faith-based service organisations, public safety and defense, k-12-college education, and church management.
To subscribe, send a request to jslack@regent.edu. Feel free to send prayer requests, comments, and submit devotionals to jslack@regent.edu.
