Part Time

62And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics over 20 Million people in the United States are part-time workers. They work less than 35 hours per week and generally are excluded from paid health benefits, union membership and participation in retirement plans. In fact, some of these people are looking for full-time work or are just entering the work force or semi-retired. Nevertheless, their part-time status puts limits both on their compensation as well as their benefits. Unfortunately, far too many practice Christianity on a part time basis. This dilutes the effectiveness of the church and is not acceptable in the eyesight of God.

The 9th Chapter of Luke finds Jesus giving his disciples authority as well as some on the job training. In this Chapter they receive instruction, go out, return and have the opportunity to discuss with the Lord their experiences. They are also able to sit at his feet as he teaches and watch him perform miracles. In the last part of the chapter Jesus examines their motives and gives them a warning. It is difficult for the Christian to operate in our modern world. We move from being around other Christians to being in a work environment to being with friends to being in our homes and each presents challenges to our faith. We are often tempted to respond to non-Christians in ways we feel they understand better than the instructions outlined in the Bible. Jesus tells the disciples that unless they fully commit, they are not fit for the Kingdom of heaven. God gives us no choice, we have to be full-time Christians in order to receive the blessings afforded his children.

My prayer for you today is that you remember you are a full time Christians and on call 24 hours a day.

Deacon Larry Woodard