Work Can Be Hard Work

John 6:28-29 ²⁸ They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”

²⁹ Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the One He has sent.”

Funny how we all want to “work” for things. And we actually know how to do it pretty well. The thing that jumped out at me here, is that the “work” God requires of us, is to ‘believe in Jesus’ – that’s it. Well, in order to believe, we need to know Him, right?! In order to know Him, we have to spend time with Him. Right?!

If you are married, or were married, or ever dated someone… you know that the only way to find a connection with that person is to spend time with them. If you are around married people at all, you will hear them say, “Marriage is hard work.” What is the hard work? Well, it is putting the other person and their needs above your own. Trying to out-do OR out-give kindness and love towards them. Spending time with this person 24/7 at times. Well, the same is true of our relationship with the Lord! The only difference is, that Jesus loves us unconditionally, without any type of letting us down or leaving us.

People are human, and therefore – we mess up. We let our own ambitions and selfishness get in the way – even in the best of relationships, we still let ourselves “get in the way”. Thus, hard work. It is actually hard work to have a relationship with Jesus too. That is, when we compare it to our earthly relationships. Plus, the added benefit of having to “trust” in Him, even though we don’t see or touch Him. The faith that builds in us, is like work in any relationship – and grows and grows over time as we spend time with Him. Learning His ways. Hearing His teachings. Understanding and gaining wisdom in the things that He is having the Holy Spirit guide us through. Is it always easy? No. Does it always make sense? No. Do we mess up and have to ask Him for forgiveness? Yes. Does He ALWAYS forgive? Yes! Sure, just like in any earthly relationship, some of our choices and actions have consequences.

How do we build this relationship, and get to know Him and His ways? One step at a time. Read the bible. Do a little bible study using some sort of bible study book/guide. You can do it on your own, but the bible clearly tells us join with other believers, gathering together to build the relationship with Him. We need to gather together as a big body in church and as individuals in small groups and on our own in our own homes. Interesting how God tells us to “work”, but the “work” is believing in Jesus.

Today, let’s respect God and show Him that we are good “workers” and build our relationship with His Son, Jesus. We may not receive a paycheck for this “work” but we WILL receive things far greater than any amount of money!! Eternal life for one, unconditional love for another. Joy. Peace. Understanding and wisdom in ways you never knew before. Kindness. Patience. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-Control. Sure work can be hard, but it can also be fulfilling. That old saying, "Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds." We all know that weeds are not good, they suck the life out of the things it grows around. "It's all in a hard days work" is how we feel good at the end of the day. This is truth with relationships as well. The BEST relationship that we can ever put hard work into, is the one we have with Jesus. As love grows, the "work" isn't that hard to do after all ;-)  I'm praying for you and your day - be well, be safe, and be blessed in ALL you put your hands to today!