Elements of Productivity Pt. 1

God’s divine power has given us everything we need to live a godly life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness. ⁴ In this way he has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world, and may come to share the divine nature. ⁵ For this very reason do your best to add goodness to your faith; to your goodness add knowledge; ⁶ to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add endurance; to your endurance add godliness; ⁷ to your godliness add Christian affection; and to your Christian affection add love. ⁸ These are the qualities you need, and if you have them in abundance, they will make you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But if you do not have them, you are so shortsighted that you cannot see and have forgotten that you have been purified from your past sins. – 2 Peter 1:3-9

I had the job. It was even more than a minimum wage job. But I sure had a long way to go those first days. I was paired up with a 62-year-old journeyman. He worked me under the table. He would finish his ½ of the job, clean out, fill, and light his pipe. He’d take a couple of puffs while I finally finished my part of the job. Then the next car of bricks would pull up and we’d start over again.

I had the job but I certainly was not efficient or productive. I needed some skills, strength, on the job training, and experience. In retrospective I’m thankful that they didn’t fire me after the first week. But over time I gained skill, strength, and efficiency. I became the second-most-productive worker in the brick factory. Only one guy could out-work me. (Yes…you might sense a little bit of pride in that claim.)

We have the gift of salvation. We have everything we need to live as God’s people. God has called us to faith in Jesus. We have precious gifts of life and salvation. We have the forgiveness of sins. We have the hope of eternal life. Certainly that is enough. 

But God calls us toward a productive life. We are not called simply to be consumers and receivers. Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). God has given us precious gifts. We are most blessed when we give what we have received. 

So we add to our faith. Over these next days we’ll look at the elements of productivity God urges upon us. During these challenging times it is easy to retreat into a laid low life of lethargy. But there are opportunities for us to bless others.

Far from denying the challenges before us, God’s calling is so that we escape the destructive forces aligned against us. This is God’s calling and our true hope.

Let us Pray…

Heavenly Father, we turn, not panic, in response to this pandemic. We praise You as our Almighty Creator and sustainer. You are the Author of our days, our refuge and strength.

Lord, help us always to respond with love to our neighbors.  Prompt us to check on those near and dear to us as well as neighbors we might not have met yet who might need our help. Help us remember those around us who are most vulnerable to this virus and to help them by bringing them groceries or other things that will help keep them from exposure.

Deliver us from this disease, we pray, and let your glory fill the earth as you respond to our prayers.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.

– From the National Day of Prayer Committee