Monday, October 20, 2014

Witherington: "Work" Part 4



1) “We are not who we are because of what we do, but because of whose we are” (133).
“…then it is clear that what we need in our lives is not merely a more biblical sense and understanding of work, but a biblical understanding of self as well” (156).

Although Worthington highly emphasized our purpose on earth and the work we must do, how to do the work and how we accomplish the work highly depends on us…who we are.  I am often reminded of the questions who am I? and what am I doing here?  These often times come from adolescents who, during their age, are discovering who they are, what they are good, what they don’t like, etc.  On the other hand, may put too much stress on an individual in becoming successful and well-off.  In addition, society has a pattern for an individual—like all cultures do—graduate high school, go to college, obtain some experience somehow, go to grad school, etc.  During this process, an individual learns about themselves.  But…I can’t help but wonder, for a Christian individual, what determined who they are?  Their work?  Or scripture?  A personal experience: the more I read Scripture, not only do I learn about what I must do, but also who I am.

2) “God could provide us with manna from heaven directly in response to the prayer for daily bread, but instead most of the time he chooses to use his human servants” (139).

And that is why every single person on earth has a reason why they are here.  We all are called to do the work of God but in different ways.  Although we cannot see it at times, a person speaks to us not in place of God, but for God.  Sure we ask God for help, to give us a sign or for something.  But maybe God does answer our prayers in form of a person.  What is so amazing about God is that He sometimes sends a child to speak to us.  In other words, sure God can come and send us exactly what we want, but then what’s the use of everyone around us.  God does not put aside a single individual even though the individual may reject God.

3) “Futhermore, we must remember that we leave a footprint, a legacy, for our children to follow” (162).

People are influenced easily, most often times by other people.  With this in mind, why does one think the world is going corrupt?  That our generation and below are involved in acts our parents or grandparents never committed?  As time goes on, if young people are not rightfully influenced, it sparks a fire that cannot be stopped.  For example, my two younger brothers are attending a high school where the pregnancy rate just goes higher and higher.  I’m aware that teenage girls are getting pregnant all over the country, however, how did it get to that point?  Were their parents the right influences on them?  My point is that people notice other people.  People learn from other people.  If being sexually driven in high school is seen as “okay”, then others will join.  Therefore, I hypothesize that the more people represent Christ and act like Him—not be Him—the more people will be influenced.  Why did so many people follow Jesus?  He’s so cool!  The way He walked among the unaccepted making everyone feel accepted.  The way He responded back to the Pharisees.  Why do so many people like Michael Jackson?  According to his fans, he was a great singer, entertainer, and dancer and a lot of people followed his singing style and dancing style and style in general.  However, we cannot forget how his past also influenced us negatively.

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