Busy but idle week 38, 2013

“How can you refer to me as an idle man? In fact I am a very busy man! 24 hours is no longer enough for me.” I am sorry if I misjudged you. What keeps you busy? “My work; working hours extend beyond 8 hours just to get deadlines met, files and people attended to. Occasionally, no, quite frequently I am called out without notice to arrange for people coming from Abuja, settle their stay logistics and tidy up matters.” Is it not the same Abuja arrangements you used to complain about that their demands are ungodly, and they appear more interested in money than the actual work they claim to do? What has changed? What of telling people about Jesus, spending time in prayer and intercession? First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people 1Tim 2:1(ESV).  What of your bible study life?

“Are you suggesting I stop secular work and become ordained? Is it not you folks that besiege people like me with requests for employment; to help people get admission to learn? If all of us are pastors where would the opportunity be to influence things for you? The kingdom of heaven is beyond preaching the gospel. It includes day to day administration of service in righteousness.” My brother! God is as interested in your church life as He is in the office. I completely agree with you serving God is not only by preaching and praying. You know that you will be rewarded for any good things you do Eph 6:8(CEV).  Remember there is nothing secular. Daniel was very busy and efficient yet was recognisably uncompromising in his faith, he was not idle. They sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.  Then these men said, "We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God." Dan 6:4,5(ESV)  God commands we witness.  Did you speak a word about Jesus to those you are so busy with? Did you like Matthew arrange a dinner for them to eat and hear the gospel? Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having a meal in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and other outcasts came and joined Jesus and his disciples at the table Mat 9:9, 10(GNB).  “Well I often don’t remember, and when I do I can’t seem to find the right words. Besides not all of us will be preachers. I’m sure they hear the word somehow.” My friend who should tell them if not you? You are idle because none of your work, nothing in your busy schedule has been offered as an opportunity to pass the message of Jesus. A man is idle no matter how busy he appears to be until he presents himself for God’s service.