A.W. Tozer's Prayer

A.W. Tozer prayed this prayer before his ordination: I have taken liberty to update the prose. I keep this prayer taped on my wall before me as a reminder of how much I need His Gospel.

It goes like this:

Though I am chosen of You and honoured by a high and

holy calling

let me never forget that I am but a man of dust and ashes,

a man with all the natural faults and passions that plague

the race of men

I pray to You, therefore, my Lord and Redeemer, save me

from

myself and from all the injuries I may do myself while

trying to be a blessing to others.

Fill me with Your power by the Holy Spirit,

and I will go in your strength and tell of your

righteousness, Yours only.

I will spread abroad the message of redeeming love

while

my powers endure.

enough said,

Your undershepherd,

Mark

Gospel-Centered Lives in the Marketplace Colossians 3:22 - 4:1

How many times have you heard, "I can't stand my job!" "I hate my job!" "My boss is driving me crazy!" Well in my message I addressed how God is not only redeeming his people he is redeeming our work as well. Our work is worship to him.

I asked two questions:
First: What difference does the Gospel make in our lives as an employee?
The Gospel makes us aware of our behavior (v.22a)
The Gospel effects our heart and our motives. (v.22b)
The Gospel gives us perspective in our work. (v.23-24)

Application questions to ponder:
Are there relationship conflicts at your work? What is God asking you to do in those relationships? How does he want you to work through them? Are you a good steward of your time and finances? Some employers see poor stewardship as stealing from the company.

Do you ask yourself the question, "How can I represent Jesus to my co-workers or my boss." Do you find your work difficult? What is your motivation to work? Is it to please your co-workers? Your boss or manager? Your manager's boss? Your clients? Yourself? Or is to please Jesus?


What difference does the Gospel make in our live as an employer or personal business owner?
Gospel shows no favortism. (v.25)
The Gospel produces integrity. (v.4:1a)
The Gospel gives perspective. (v.4:1b)

Application questions to ponder:

As a business owner do you say what you mean and mean what you say? Do you follow through with your commitments with your clients and employees? Do you treat them in a fair manner?
Do you see your work as worship to God? If not, why not?

Other application questions:
Paul seems to be addressing Christian slaves and Christian Masters, but in the reality you might have bosses who are unchurched or employees who are looking for hope? Where does this leave the Christian in the marketplace of unbelievers?

In a wonderful position to let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father, (your true boss) who is in heaven. Matt5:16 (emphasis mine).

Have you ever thought of starting a Bible study with some co-workers? Maybe its meeting with some of your colleagues and praying for them?

So what difference does the Gospel make in the Marketplace? All the difference. May your work glorify your true Master, Jesus.

SDG,

Pastor Mark