Eternity @ Work by Helen M. Mitchell

"His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light.  It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.  If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.  If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through flames."  1 Corinthians 3:13-15 (NIV)

This work that will be revealed and tested is our work that has eternal significance and impact. 

At the end of our lives when we are face to face with our Creator, he will not be impressed with the buildings named after us, the number of jobs we held or if we made it into management...unless through our work we brought God glory and reached one more for Jesus. 

Is it possible that we can be so distracted with building our own kingdom that we are not available to further God's kingdom?

The late night flight I was taking for a business trip was only half full and I was looking forward to finding a row to myself, reading my paper, reviewing my presentation for the next day and closing my eyes. 

Before the people were finished boarding the flight, the woman in my row had me relentlessly engaged in conversation.  By the time the flight was ready to take off I was trapped.  It would seem rude to get up and leave so I stayed in my seat.

As my hopes of a quiet flight vanished, I asked the Lord that since I was going to be talking to this woman for the next hour and a half would He open the door for me to witness to her.  Halfway through the flight that prayer was answered. 

When I asked her questions like, "What about sin?"  "How do you know if you are good enough?"  She would avoid the question and reply, "Why worry yourself about such things!"  

Just as the plane was landing I asked her, "Don't you ever think about what would happen to you if you died tonight?" 

Smiling and shaking her head she said, "No.  That is just silly nonsense.  I just live a good life and enjoy it while I am here." 

As I walked to baggage claim, I couldn't let go of her words.  It was clear that she was living her life with no thought about eternity and no consideration that anything she does will matter for eternity. 

Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior have a place in eternity, but as believers if we don't give eternity any more thought or how what we do now will matter in eternity, then how are we much different than this non-believing woman who refused to listen to the truth? 

The works of our life "will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work." 

Are we as concerned about the eternal destination of our high performers as much as we are concerned about our career development?  Are we using our excess resources to expand God's kingdom here on earth? 

Will it matter to someone in eternity that we have lived?

Discussion Questions:

1. If the video of your life were played before the Lord today, what works would survive?  What influence has God given you at work and in your community that will matter for eternity?
   
   
2. What difference does it make to you and your day when you start the day in God's word and in prayer?
   
   
3. What is God asking of you at work that you have been putting off?  Share it with your small group or accountability partner and commit to praying about it.  Ask God for more clarity, direction and the courage to step out in faith.

ABOUT OUR GUEST AUTHOR: This WorkLife Lesson was written by Helen M. Mitchell. Used by permission.  All rights reserved.  Helen is a speaker, author and consultant to companies and ministries regarding strategy, organizational effectiveness, and building cohesive leadership teams.  She is also the director and co-founder of the Saddleback Church Workplace ministry.  Content distributed by Championsunleased.org for non-profit educational purposes.  Website: www.strategicmgmtresources.com

 

 

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