Sermon Series:2007-Releasing Your Drive and Passion for God
Today’s Message: Living in God’s World & God’s Way (Part 1)
Text: Colossians 3:23 - NIV; NLT; MSG
Dr. Ken Squires, Jr. January 07, 2006
Edited by Dale Weaver
(23) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3 - NIV)
(23) Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (Colossians 3 - NLT)
(23) Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God. (Colossians 3 - MSG)
Throughout the history of Major League Baseball, and certainly that of the Minnesota Twins baseball team, few characters have achieved the iconic status as that of former major-leaguer Kirby Puckett. His life started in the world’s largest housing projects -- Chicago’s Robert Taylor Homes -- a place made up of 28 blocks of cement jungle (1). He was born the last of nine children. His life was lived on one of the world’s largest stages: that of professional baseball. He died after a stroke in March of 2006 at the age of 45; isolated in Arizona; in poor health; and with his reputation destroyed largely by his own doing. His life was truly shaped like the classic bell curve: Puckett went from the projects, to the palace that was Major League Baseball, and then down to the figurative penitentiary of a bad reputation.
In his 12-year career -- one that included a .318 batting average Puckett and six Golden gloves -- Puckett led the Minnesota Twins to World Championships in both 1987 & 1991. He was a fan favorite during his entire career with the Twins and Twins fans could be counted on to chant “Kir-beeeeeeeeee Puckett” throughout each home game. In his last at-bat of the 1995 season, Puckett was hit by a pitch that, as it turned out, broke his jaw. The next year he would be diagnosed with glaucoma – largely due to complications from the prior season’s injury – which forced one of Major League Baseball’s superstars and certain Hall-of-Famers into an early retirement.
In his book “The Divine Conspiracy,” USC Philosophy professor Dallas Willard tells the rest of the story…
Kirby Puckett was one of the most loved men ever to play the game and a well known Christian. Dennis Martinez, pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, once crushed the left side of Kirby’s face with a pitch. Martinez assumed that Kirby would hate him. But when he had recovered a bit, Kirby called Martinez “my good friend” and blamed himself for not getting out of the way of the fastball. He was an outstanding community leader for good causes, and expressed his faith naturally in words that matched his life. Everyone knew who Kirby was trusting and why he would not hate someone who had injured him. He was living in God’s world and relying upon it. (2)
If it is true that starting well is good and ending well is the best, then it must truly be only thru God’s grace that we are allowed to start good and end poorly… and still make it to heaven! This may be the final epitaph of the Minnesota Twins’ Kirby Puckett… or maybe not. Only God knows. He was certainly not the only Christian who ever closed out his life in less-than-glorious circumstances. Yet, one cannot escape the profound example that Kirby set when he played baseball and how he ended his playing career:
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, (Colossians 3:23 - NIV)
Only a life dedicated to God’s approach to living could accept such a tragic ending to what had been such a promising career -- One pitch and the career was over. That is the rest of this story.
For the year 2007, I have chosen Colossians 3:23 as my “life verse.” I’ve written it on the front page of my devotional/running journal. Every day I quote it anew and ask God to show me how to Live in God’s World…God’s Way.
I intend to quote this verse more often than any other in 2007. I plan to use it as a source of comfort as I work in counseling. The Holy Spirit will use it within me to convict, encourage and challenge my efforts at pleasing the Savior. But I feel no dread at this prospect; rather I welcome this! You ought to do the same. Pick a “life verse” for this year. This message is intended to teach you how to apply and arrange the verse in your life, whatever verse you choose. Of course, if Colossians 3:23 works for you -- use it!
In this message I want to show you what I think God will do with your passion and drive this year, if you use this verse, (Col. 3:23), (or one of your choosing) as a motivational device. Mark in your notes or next to this verse (Col. 3:23) in your Bible these three words: “define,” “develop” and “delight.”
Now, before we build, we’ve got to take some proactive measures to clear up any erroneous thinking about what this verse is not.
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, (Colossians 3:23 - NIV)
You will never truly live in the reality of this verse if you don’t break the stranglehold that consumer Christianity has over you. Let me suggest three misconceptions to avoid. You look like you’re open to conviction. Start now. Flee immediately. Say what? Glad you asked!
Flee Consumer Christianity
1. The church is filled with Christians who misunderstand abundance and obedience.
Most Christians don’t know that obedience is really
abundance. The mistake Western Christianity often makes is to allow a distinction to be made between abundance and obedience. This may be due in part to the Seventeenth-Century Puritans who believed that earthly abundance was a certain sign of the chosen or “Elect” of God, living in obedience to His word. I believe we can all agree that if you live for Christ in the spirit and life of “obedience” then “abundance” will certainly be a by-product. I am not at all sure that if we start with “abundance,” obedience necessarily follows. Let’s place the words in the proper sequence. This mistake does not usually occur within the Oriental or Middle Eastern mindset -- the “thought context of the Bible,” as it were. One of the best examples in scripture is the distinction (or lack thereof) between “mind” and “heart.” In Proverbs the words are often used interchangeably; while in Western thought there is a distinction made between “mind” and “heart” – a distinction which does not exist in scripture. What is true of “mind” and “heart” is equally true of “abundance” and “obedience.”
The end result is that abundance is seen as the most favorable relationship with God. Well, of course even Jesus’ own words, “I have come to give you life and to give it to you abundantly” (John 10:10b - NIV) seemingly give permission for such a lifestyle. Everyone wants it. We seek it. We pray for it. We use it as a standard to decide who has God’s favor, and who is out of God’s favor. Living in the rich and blessed life is the goal of so many believers and the theme of so many sermons that it has become the norm. This lifestyle has introduced the Twentieth-Century (and Twenty-first-Century) Christian to the world of opulence, wealth and -- unfortunately -- greed. It is this very type of Christianity that has become nauseating to God and a turn off to post-modern people.
Why? Not because God wants to promote poverty or thinks that living in a diminished economic level is some how more spiritual. These ideas just don’t square with God’s word. Whatever you faith looks like, it must include the life of obedience. Jesus reminds us of this truth in John 14:23; “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching” (NIV). As Dallas Willard says, “Kingdom obedience is Kingdom abundance” (3).
These are not two different biblical lifestyles. All too often when obedience does make its way into our sermons or lifestyles it is the ultimate kill-joy. Sermons on obedience cause people to bristle with the thought of spoiled plans and ruined lives. The misunderstanding of obedience is that it will cost me all kinds of enjoyable options that will have to disappear from Christianity.
Would you be fulfilled in a life free from of anger, fear and stress and filled with continuous joy, peace and patience? Wouldn’t it be great to love your neighbor as yourself instead of falling into envy, covetousness and confliction? And wouldn’t it be great to not suffer from the paralyzing concern you have about others’ opinions? To offer another your coat; to be willing even to give them your second coat or perhaps the second cheek; knowing the entire time that your personal comfort is less important than being like Jesus?
It is indeed a heavenly life lived within a hellish world when you can bless those who are slandering you or using you at work for their own economic benefit; laughing at your faith or even trying to kill you!
Have you figured it out by now as you went thru this checklist? Although it reads like abundance, if you want it -- there is a price to pay! The truth about obedience in the Kingdom of Jesus is that it is the Siamese twin to abundance. Think about this verse, “The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17-NIV).
The first part of the verse is abundance, the second is obedience. A Kingdom life of abundance happens when a Christ follower lives in the pleasure and delight of obedience.
Jesus said, “Train them to obey everything I have told you.”
Matthew 28:20
2. The church is filled with Christians who misuse God’s presence.
Now, follow closely here -- it’s not that people are intentionally trying to blow it. It happens more out of misunderstanding than anything. When we say “God’s presence,” we are talking more than just worship, although most of us think of God’s presence generally as it relates to worship. We certainly benefit from living in a worshipful relationship to God.
The Bible says, “so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31-NIV). Everything you do can be worship to God. But if this is true, definition of “worship” and “God’s presence” must be expanded. So let me ask you a question? In what area of your life do you spend most of your energies and time? Your employment! If you want to truly worship God and be an apprentice of Jesus then I suggest you take seriously the following: learning from Jesus how to do your job as Jesus would do it! Our text today reminds us of this truth…
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, (Colossians 3:23 - NIV)
Discipleship is not a special calling to do spiritual activities; it is the calling to do all of your activities spiritually! In a world where many are disgruntled with work -- an epidemic in our culture -- the quickest way to get a fresh lease on life is to do your work as Jesus would do it.
Let’s think for a minute about what this might look like… Imagine a movie with yourself cast as the lead character and the setting of this picture being your workplace. Now we’ll introduce a dramatic device that’s been used in several films over the years: say that every time your character passes a mirror, window or reflective surface, you notice the face of Jesus -- instead of your own -- inserted where your face should be. Can you imagine how your behavior would miraculously change if you were constantly reminded -- in this manner -- to be like Him? I daresay that you would indeed be a more loving, caring, thoughtful worker/employer/employee if such were the case. Suddenly greed would give way to grace; profit would yield to purpose; and contentiousness would melt into cooperation. The surprise ending to this film would most likely be this: by the time you no longer needed the literal face of Christ as a reminder to live like Him, everyone around you would have noticed the figurative face of Christ in your daily living!
Since work consumes so much of our time, is it true that more time can be spent in God’s presence if we were to do our jobs -- whatever they may be -- in the sweat, intelligence and power (and to the glory) of God. We must never allow our job to become our life but we should, within limits, routinely sacrifice our pleasure and comfort so that others benefit from our services. We should do our job well because that is what pleases Jesus and our life should be consumed with pleasing Him.
3. The church is filled with Christians who mistakenly avoid discipleship.
Are you a student or apprentice of Jesus Christ? It is true
that your parents gave you life, but Jesus gives you the abundant life. In a culture that prefers independence and celebrates individualism we did not make it this far without benefit of the apprenticing efforts of others. What skills or gifts have you developed in the last 10 years? Whatever they may be, it is safe to say that some artist, musician, mechanic, public speaker, coach or teacher made an investment. You are more of a disciple of some teacher then you are a peer, parent or playmate.
If you are not a continual disciple of Jesus, totally committed to fashioning your life after His, then your life is like trying to cash a check on another person’s account. You might pull it off once or twice, but eventually it will catch up with you!
If you are going to be Jesus’ apprentice only one essential condition must be met: you must spend time with the person you are mentoring. You can’t do discipleship at arms length or through distance learning.
Most Christians don’t think in terms of this lifestyle of apprenticeship. They spend their efforts making sure they “make the final cut” by the end of the season. In many Christian settings there is a long-standing struggle with the confidence or assurance of salvation – to the point of obsession! This obsession -- whether we have sinned too much, or are we good enough to achieve our destination -- becomes so all-consuming that it crowds out time, effort and motivation that would otherwise be directed at discipleship! The sad testimony of modern Christianity is that one can be a Christian without being a disciple.
Football coaches can tell you immediately who they have apprenticed under. Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren has been responsible for placing dozens of coaches into all levels of football through apprenticeship.
All musical virtuosos studied under some great teacher. The Gene Nastri Music School in Everett, Washington was named after violin instructor Gene Nastri who, during the 1960’s and 1970’s, taught orchestra to hundreds of children in the Everett School district – including this author. God used this apprenticeship experience of learning the violin to take children and teach them appreciation and discipline through music. The net result was that God used a teacher to help establish character qualities that might well have been lacking otherwise.
So what is a disciple? A disciple is a person willing to be apprenticed by another person who learns what that individual is and does. The nice thing about this definition is that anyone can do it! It is learning from Jesus how to live our lives, our whole lives, our real lives. We are not learning from Jesus how to live his life. His life was supernatural and without sin. It has been lived. Nobody will live that life again, not even Jesus. So what are we trying to do?
What am I working towards? What does this Jesus life,
fully dedicated in every way unto Him, truly look like? How can we work at it with all of our hearts? Dallas Willard says, “I need to be able to live my life as he would live it, if He were I.” (4)
To pull this off let me suggest that you allow the Holy Spirit to take possession of your drive and passion in three ways.
Favor Kingdom Christianity
1. Let God define your drive and passion for 2007.
whatever you do… (Colossians 3:23a - NIV)
2. Let God develop your drive and passion for 2007.
work at with all your heart… (Colossians 3:23b - NIV)
3. Let God delight in your drive and passion for 2007.
as working for the Lord, not for men! (Colossians 3:23c - NIV)
If you choose this new way of living, where everything you do is done with all your heart as unto God…be prepared to laugh in 2007. Be prepared to be surprised in 2007. Most of all be prepared to truly live in 2007.
Summary Statements
1. For the year 2007, I have chosen Colossians 3:23 as my “life verse.” I’ve written it on the front page of my devotional/running journal. Every day I quote it anew and ask God to show me how to Live in God’s World…God’s Way.
2. Are you a student or apprentice of Jesus Christ? It is true
that your parents gave you life, but Jesus gives you the abundant life. In a culture that prefers independence and celebrates individualism we did not make it this far without benefit of the apprenticing efforts of others. What skills or gifts have you developed in the last 10 years? Whatever they may be, it is safe to say that some artist, musician, mechanic, public speaker, coach or teacher made an investment. You are more of a disciple of some teacher then you are a peer, parent or playmate.
3. “I need to be able to live my life as he would live it, if He were I.” (4)
Surprising Statements
1. Whatever you faith looks like, it must include the life of obedience. Jesus reminds us of this truth in John 14:23; “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching” (NIV). As Dallas Willard says, “Kingdom obedience is Kingdom abundance” (3).
2. Discipleship is not a special calling to do spiritual activities; it is the calling to do all of your activities spiritually!
End Notes
1. Tim Marchman, The Rise and Fall of an Improbable Hero, The New York Sun, March 8, 2006.
2. Dallas Willard. The Divine Conspiracy. HarperSanFrancisco, 1997, pg. 287.
3. Ibid, pg. 312
4. Ibid, pg. 283
