Weekly Thought – August 11, 2026
Fred appreciated mothers. His Mom, Mrs. M.B. Smith, was the wife of a Baptist pastor who raised 5 boys in the mill district of North Nashville. Her consistency formed Fred’s view of parenting. One of his favorite conversations was overheard in Blowing Rock, NC. “It’s time to leave, come on.” The little girl responded, “I don’t like you anymore!” The Mom quietly said, “I will always like you and we are going home.”
Working Worship
Work is worship (or it should be). This was very much part of our early American beliefs, but as churches became more organized and staffed by vocationals, we moved away from this idea. We secularized our work and left worship to the professionals. Is this the best approach?
The Shakers, for example, were known for the perfection of their woodworking because they believed the work of their hands was praise from their heart. I think it is time to get back to that.
When we take this view it does not mean our only option is “full-time Christian service.” Our skills, training, and talents should be used for the common good. If I am a Christian architect, I don’t have to limit my work to churches. It is the motivation that counts.
The word “excellence” has become part of the modern lingo. Long before, it was a craze it was the modus operandi for God. He is the author of perfection. I guess we could say, “He wrote the book on it!” He wants our work to represent Him through our integrity. I believe “a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work” is part of my worship. If I accept money and not fulfilling my responsibilities, I am being dishonest. That is not worship.
Honesty, loyalty, and credibility are critical to me. We once built a house and hired a tradesman who was a pillar in the community church. I visited the job site, found him resting, and inquired about his condition. “Well, Mr. Smith, I am fasting and praying this week, so I am too tired to really do much work.” When I mentioned he should be exercising these disciplines on his own time and not receiving my money, he was quite incensed. He thought I would be pleased with his spirituality. That was a workman not worthy of his hire.
Paul wrote to his converts that whatever they did, it should be to the glory of God. I don’t think he just meant this for church service. When Christians segment their lives they lose the joy of wholeness. I see people who live like grapefruit – with little sections for each area. Until it becomes unified, the value of work as worship is lost on them.
Think carefully about: 1) How often do I stop and think of my work as worship? 2) What tempts me to do “grapefruit living?” 3) Who can I encourage with this idea today?
Words of Wisdom: “He wants our work to represent Him through our integrity.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people.” (Colossians 3:23 NET Bible)