Running the Race Before You

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?
Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown,
but we for an imperishable crown.
Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty.
Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection,
lest, when I have preached to others,
I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Cor. 9:24-27 NKJV

Growing up I was never athletically endowed. I was not good at any sports. In adult years I disliked sports metaphors in preaching. Now I know that anyone can understand the message in any metaphor even though they really never had the experience. why they are used so effectively in teaching. Jesus used them, and here Paul is using metaphors he learned back in Corinth. (Corinth was one of the areas that hosted the games.) Races and boxing were two of the most popular sports at the time.

I used to wonder about the “ but one receives the prize” part of this verse. I thought that we all run in the “Christ-like race” and we all win. But I now believe Paul is saying that we need to run as if there will only be one winner. We should run with all we got, with the best of our abilities (and even our non-abilities) We know that we are part of a larger group, the Church, and we are to help encourage the others in this race. But we must follow Christ with the determination that we will finish no matter if no one else comes along.

In the Gospel of John verses 21:18-22, Jesus tells Peter to follow Him and Peter turns to John and asks Jesus about him and Jesus replies, “what is that (how John will die) to you, you follow me.” In a race, you do not keep an eye on others. Nor do you keep looking behind you. I remember a movie years ago about an auto race where the driver snatched off his review mirror and told his passenger that he was not concerned with what was behind him but what was ahead of him. Paul stated in Phil. 3:13-14 that, “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” Forget the forgiven things in our past that may hold us down, press forward. And to win, we must discipline ourselves to run or box. Lose the flab (the flesh).
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before you,
looking unto Jesus, the Author, and Finisher of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God” Heb. 12:1-2

Why run? The ancient Greeks participated in the games to win a small wreath of a crown that would decay in a few days. It was the honor and glory that was the real prize. The crowds worshiped them as gods. Their every pleasure was indulged. This only lasted until the next event and they had to win again. So the honor and glory of the world decayed also. We run for the glory of our Lord who is our example. Just as He endured the cross with His eye on the prize, which was the glory of being reunited with God the Father and bridging the gap so we might also join Him as overcomers. The Bible speaks of us earning crowns, but in the end we will lay them at His feet when we finally realize that Christ is our prize and our reward.

Those watching on the sidelines that said a prayer years ago, and that was as far as they went will not get the prize for just “participating.” They must be in the “race set before them. The witnesses mentioned in the above Hebrews passage are the faithful that were listed in the prior verses that have already run the race. They are in the winners circle. Their victory will not fade. Their witness should encourage you on.

So , “Therefore having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor. 7:1

and
“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 Jn 2:6

If God is real, why won’t He show Himself?

Have you ever asked this question or had a co-worker do so: “If God is real, why doesn’t He show Himself?” Have you ever made this statement or had a co-worker say it, “I only believe what I can sense with my five senses.” And the big promise, ”If God would show Himself to me, I would believe!”

God did show Himself. He looked and listened all through history and heard every question, statement, and promise. He choose the right time for these appearances. The Bible is where most of these visits are recorded.

In the Old Testament God walked with Adam in the garden.
He appeared to Abraham as one of the three men. Genesis 18:6 about 2067 B.C.
He appeared to Joshua as the Commander of the Host of Heaven in Joshua 5:14 about 1406 B.C.
He appeared to the Three Hebrews, King Nebuchadnezzar and those around them as the Son of God in Daniel 3:25 about 585 B.C.believe
And there were more possible sightings under dispute. But you get the idea.

Then He made His grand appearance as Jesus Christ which is recorded in the New Testament. Some say Jesus never claimed to be God or the Son of God, but in John 10:22-33 and 14:9 Jesus made it plain who He was. There are other scriptures to back this up. You can look these up yourself.
The Bible tells of His purpose to reveal Himself and the Father God. And He promised to fill us with the Holy Spirit. He did this by offering Himself as a sin offering for the world, for all of us who desire to see Him. Now, the GOOD NEWS, He is coming back to show Himself again and to gather all those who saw and believed and to those who have believed without seeing. John 20:29

Now I know some of you are thinking,” Can we believe the Bible?” This is a discussion for another time. But if you are having trouble, the Bible states that evidence was put in nature so that no one will have an excuse, Romans 1:20. Now some are saying that science and evolution can explain nature. This also is for discussion for a later date.

But will you be assured before His return? What will you tell Him when He asks why you did not believe after He gave so much for you to know God? Will telling Him you still have questions be enough?

I encourage you to seek Him with your heart. Haven't you been in darkness along enough?
Search for yourselves and determine in your heart that you will believe if He reveals Himself to you. The Internet is wide open for study. I can point you in the way, let me know. Thank You.

This document is a companion resource to the podcast by the same name. You may reprint this article for ministry use only, as long as to keep the copyright information intact.
Copyright 2020 Marketplace Christian Resources and Wayne Brooks.

Tipping the Balance: The Ethics Course You Did Not Get In Business School.

Tipping the Balance
The Course on Ethics You Did Not Get In Business School.

Years ago when I started getting involved in Marketplace Ministry, most of the information I found was on ethics. I remember thinking how this all sounded elementary and thought it was a shame us Christian had to be told that we needed to be ethical in our workplaces. And of course I was not the perfect worker back then and I now am older and hopefully wiser. Yes, we need a refresher course or even a new approach.
This is what I believe the Holy Spirit has shown me. It had to be him because I could not have come up with this myself and I did not read it in a book. And I have read many.
I want you to picture in your mind a balance, one of those with a center pole and hanging dishes on the left and right. Now picture the person on the right with no ethics or very little ethics. It tips to the left and his way. Now picture the ethical person on the right side bringing the balance level. This is how it is when you follow the rules. But there is a problem. You follow the rules to the minimum. You do just enough to be called a good employee or business owner. I once posted a meme on Facebook picturing one of these with the caption,” The Bible says a crooked balance is an abomination to God so a good one pleases God. Give your employee an honest day’s work for an honest day’s wage.”
I have seen how this will not do. To be balanced is to just get by in God’s eyes. The balance tipped to the right is showing that we not only obey the rules but we are to do more than asked. On the sermon on the mound in the Bible, taught by Jesus Christ, He teaches us this.
In Luke 6:20-36 and Matthew 5:1-48 He teaches that:

“You have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
But I say unto you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. “.

Not only are we supposed to obey the commandment to not commit adultery but Kingdom Ethics says we are to go farther. Don’t even look on a woman with lust.

“You have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. “

He taught that we should not payback in revenge. If we are sued over something we’ve did and judged to pay damages, we are to pay more that the law calls for.
And we know that in those days the Romans could command a Jew to carry his pack for a mile. But Jesus says to do more, which is where the well-known phase comes from,” go the extra mile”. This means to go beyond what the law demands or what the employee handbook calls for.

This is how we tip the balance. We are to go further than is called for. Can you see that the left is the non-ethical person, the center is the worldly ethical person and the right is the Kingdom Ethical person?

I encourage you to be the one that changes the copier ink. Be the one to clean the bathroom or Heaven forbid the refrigerator. While walking through the parking lot on the way into work, pick up that piece of trash. Help that fellow co-worker when you have the time. And don’t be concerned if no one notices. Even if it does not lead to a promotion or raise. When you come under the employ of God Himself and He is behind your motivation, you will not lose. People may laugh or take advantage of you. But you cannot think on it. You must determine which ethical person you wish to be. Lean to the left, stay center of tip the balance to the Kingdom.

Wayne Brooks
02/25/2020

Jesus Is at Work: Having Joy and Purpose at Your Current Job by Dave Hilgendorf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very good resource for the marketplace Christian that every church library needs.


View all my reviews

It's Off to Work I Go by Bobbi Richardson

Every morning hundreds of men and women go off to work in offices, stores and other places of employment. Does being a Christian make a difference? As a Christian should you act, look or speak differently? Has God placed you in the position you hold for a reason?

Employees

The definition of an employee is one hired by another usually for wages or salary and in a position below the executive level.

Most of us would fit into that category as office workers, clerks, salespersons, and the many other jobs we do to earn a living and that put us under the authority of an employer without the perks and benefits of executive status.

While the word employee is not specifically used in most versions of the Bible, there are many principles that can be applied to employees.

As children of God, it is our responsibility to obey His commands and live by His principles. This is true in the workplace as well as anywhere.

What does it mean to succeed?

We all want to be a success in our jobs, the question is what does that success look like and what are we doing to succeed?

In our current culture success means to get ahead (usually at the expense of others). It means to continually strive to do what someone else expects of you (even if deep down inside it is not what you think you should be doing). It means to always be concerned with how you look, how you sound, how you act. It means concentrating on you.

This type of success is not lasting and does not accomplish much.

God's way is to concentrate on others and let Him take care of you.

As Christians, our goal should be to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Our ambition should always be to accomplish God's plan.

Slaves and Servants

Throughout the Old Testament God's people were instructed on how to treat those who were less fortunate; the oppressed, the poor, widows, orphans, slaves and servants.

In the Bible, a slave could be one who is actually in bondage or enslaved by another as when people were taken by a conquering army and put into service to the conquering people; or one who was in bondage as punishment for a crime.

Jews who were unable to pay debts were often "enslaved" by their fellow Jews. However, they were to be considered hired workers until their debts were paid.

The Old Testament also refers to slaves as bondservants and there were laws governing the fair and humane treatment of slaves with punishment for those who treated their slaves harshly.

God's care and rescue of Hagar is an example of His compassion and love of those enslaved by another. (Genesis 21:14-19)

Servants were usually free men who were hired to work for someone as an administrator of their household or as a scribe to write letters or other communications (a secretary).

As employees we can look at portions of scripture that focus on slaves in that we are working for someone who determines what our work is and we must follow their rules and procedures. We can look at portions referring to servants in that we are hired to work for an employer and are under their authority and direction.

Jesus as Servant

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28-NLT)

If Jesus' mission was to serve and give His life for others, as His disciples it is our mission also.

Jesus ministered to all who came to Him.

As Christians, we are in the workplace to serve. We serve God by serving others; our co-workers, our customers, anyone we come in contact within our daily work.

We give our lives by putting aside our desires, our plans, our feelings in order to minister to and serve others.

Instead of looking for what we can get from our employers, we can try to find ways to serve them. In learning how to do this and in redirecting our focus in this way we develop humility, compassion, patience, faithfulness (loyalty) and forgiveness. We see all of these qualities in Jesus.

As Christians it should be our goal to live as Jesus lived; to follow Him; to obey His commands.

God is constantly building the character of His children. He has placed us in whatever position we now hold. He tells us to serve others as a general command. If we view our employees as an opportunity for service and look to God to show us how, we will be following Jesus' example and teachings.

What Should We Do?

There is much in God's word that speaks to how we should conduct our daily lives whether as employees or in any other capacity.

Some principles that apply to employees are:

Always do your best work and keep on doing what is good. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Don't be discouraged or easily give up because of lack of results. (Galatians 6:9)

Persevere and let nothing distract from the purpose; the mission; doing God's will; accomplishing His plan. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Some characteristics of Godly employees are:

Respect for authority-All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. (1 Timothy 6:1-NAS)


Loyalty-Slaves must obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but they must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. (Titus 2:9 & 10-NLT)

Obedience-Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. (Ephesians 6:5-NLT)

These are not popular principles in the workplace. You will not find seminars on how to develop these characteristics. There are no motivational speakers encouraging you to act this way in order to further your career. What you hear and read will totally contradict these principles; these characteristics will be scoffed at and rejected by most.

Our choice as Christian employees is whether to listen to those around us and strive continually to be a success on our own or to "lay down your life" and obey and follow Jesus' example, which leads to blessings now and stores up treasures in heaven for the future.

Good Employees

God's word makes it clear that He does not look on His children as slave or free, but all are equal in His sight. This is our promise and comfort that God loves and cares for each of us individually no matter what our position in life or in the workplace.

It is our responsibility to reflect His presence in our lives no matter what our individual circumstances.

It all starts with a good attitude (a good way of thinking).

We should, like Jesus, joyfully serve the Father's purposes.

Hebrews 12:2-3 says, "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy He knew would be His afterward. Now He is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all He endured when sinful people did such terrible things to Him, so that you don't become weary and give up." (NLT)

Here are a few practical suggestions that you can try the next time you enter your workplace:

Arrive on time, dress well, speak politely and smile readily.

Don't indulge in gossip or complaining.

Develop the art of listening.

Be kind, compassionate, forgiving, loving, patient (demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit who lives in you).

Pray - for your co-workers, your boss, your company, your customers.

Ask the Father to show you how to be the employee He wants you to be.

Does being a Christian in the workplace make a difference?

Try some of the suggestions above and see the reactions for yourself.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Interview with Santa

Standing in the Marketplace

"And about the eleventh hour He went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, 'Why have you been standing idle all day?' They said to Him, ' Because no one hired us.' He said to them, ' You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive." Matthew 20:6-7

We know that these verses are talking about the world as God's vineyard the mission field and laborers being sent out to reap. I would like to look at the men mentioned in the verses above. The day was half-gone and they had not heard the call for workers. Why were they late? Did they sleep late? Did they have other jobs? Either way, they were unavailable. This is a picture of the present state of the church. We are standing idle in the marketplace, waiting to be hired. This article is for those still waiting on their call.
The days of D.L. Moody, Brother Bryan and others have passed. No longer is it easy for the clergy to enter the workplaces and minister to the laborers. With the fear of religious harassment and insurance liability the doors to the marketplace have almost closed. Who then will reach these souls that labor their days away? Will they seek out our churches on Sunday, for some the only day off they have for their families? Do they have the time or energy to make a mid-week service? The numbers say "No". Who will reach them? The Christian that is full of motivational teachings urging them to reach out and work their way to the top of their potential, where they will have influence. Then they can be a light on a hill. Or should I say Ladder? I am not saying they cannot be used. They have and they will. But I speak from experience when I say that the one with his sites on that top run had better be sure that's where the Lord wants him. I gave an employee new to the management world a hard-learned lesson. To be management he must realize that everything he does and says becomes a reflection of the company you have chosen to take responsibility for. Even the way he reacts to co-workers after hours is not his own. So for the Christian seeking a place in management, he had better make sure that his faith and job could co-exist. Can you fire an employee that you have been witnessing to, and still maintain the witness? You must choose your priority, your position or souls. Or can they be one in the same?

How about the Christian that is trying to solve all of his ethical problems and believes he cannot be a witness until he is the best worker in his field? God can and will use the perfect employee. Each of us strives for Holiness in Christ. But just being the best worker is not enough. When the Lord started dealing with me about witnessing in the workplace, I searched everywhere for resources. Most of what I found was advice to be the best worker your boss could have. Be on time every day, stay busy and productive, do your work without complaining, be honest ...etc. I have had many workers with these qualities and they were not Christians. These things should be fruit of our lives and not something we must work hard at obtaining. We should not have to be told to "Work as unto the Lord". People may not notice our witness if we do these things, but they will definitely receive a witness if we don't. There is a place for this, but don't rely on them for your complete witness.

Or how about the one that believes he must develop a relationship with his co-workers and his life will be his witness and there isn't a need to speak? Relationships are needed for an effective witness but not to be relied on completely. God can and will use these, but He commanded us to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel". Yes I have heard it all my life. "Our lives preach". But we must add words to our lives, and relationships, in order to be complete.

Back to the question, who can reach the workers in the marketplace? I am persuaded that the Lord is calling for those late comers standing idle in the marketplace to go on into the fields, it's not too late. I believe He is looking for men and women that hear His call to become missionaries. Maybe they owe too many bills to be free. Maybe they are paying child support from bad marriages before they got saved and have this responsibility until the children are 18 years old. Maybe they have health problems that keep them from traveling to other countries. God is calling them to reap in His fields right here in the United States, The workplace, where the clergy cannot go.

He is calling for people who will take up the workplace as their mission field. They will work at the task just like we expect our overseas missionaries to work at theirs. Not to seek jobs or positions where they get the best pay or recognition, but for the ability to reach more people of the greatest need. For years the laity movement has tried to motivate the people to join in the work, but still maintain that the clergy are the ones that are "Full Time" in the ministry. God is calling people to enter the ministry full time through the workplace. Your pastor or denomination may not see you as called, but the Caller knows better. And He is the one who sets the wages.

He's calling for the person who will take a thankless job at a processing plant, which is noted, for the hardest work and the lowest pay. Just so they can reach the low-income families of their town. That is our mission field of today. This is being called the Fourth Frontier by people in the Faith@Work Movement. Who will take a job at a cigar plant just to be exposed to the lost? Who will take a job that requires Sunday work in order to reach the unchurched? And who is so bold as to get a job as a bartender, just so they could reach their town's outcast. These may be extreme moves to make, but most people are in the jobs that the Lord wants them in. They just need to hear their call to it. If you cannot be satisfied in your position, even after deciding to do it for the Lord, then it is time for a move. I hired a brother one time that was called to the mission field overseas. He worked with me until he could hear where the Lord wanted him. It did not take a large degree of discernment to know when it was time for him to go. He was stressed and unfit for any more work. He could do nothing else but "GO". So no one needs to fear that if they take a "regular job", that they may lose their "sense of mission". The Lord will not allow someone he intends to use on the foreign mission field to stay in the marketplace forever. Many have stayed when they were supposed to "GO", and the Lord has sent their jobs overseas instead.

If you are called out, then you will go in God's time. Until then the Vineyard owner is looking for those idle in the marketplace. He has a job for you. I would not belittle the great need of foreign missions. Their need is so much greater than ours in the United States, but we are missing a great training ground for our troops heading to the fields of the world. I have a vision of persons unable to "Go" now because of restrictions on their lives. But God is calling them to the workplace and not to be idle waiting on a call. In the workplace they will train for their service to foreign lands. Where in America can you get cross-cultural exposure like that in the marketplace? Try factory vending machine food, roasted grubs may not be that bad. I'm not against training schools; they are very much needed. But they need to incorporate the workplace as part of their training. A person needs just as much faith to support them in a job as the one that depends on others for support. Many people are missing a perfect training ground in the marketplace. With this, I end by saying, "The Owner of the vineyard is asking, 'Why do you stand idle, there is plenty of work for all. There is no unemployment in the Kingdom of God.'"
Original posted 12/03/2004

Marketplace Christian Resources: The Problem With Generic Spirituality

Marketplace Christian Resources: The Problem With Generic Spirituality: Have you ever heard someone say, ”I’m not religious but I am a spiritual person?” I had a co-worker tell me this a long time ago ...

The Problem With Generic Spirituality

Have you ever heard someone say, ”I’m not religious but I am a spiritual person?” I had a co-worker tell me this a long time ago and Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame said something to this effect when asked about her role in the “Noah” movie. What is it? Is it valid? Where will it lead? I hope to answer these questions here for you.
Generic spirituality is when a person does not believe in a traditional religious practice but picks and chooses from a verity of beliefs to form their own brand of spirituality. In short,they take what they like and do away with the rest. This is nothing new, people have been doing it for a very long time. It is how many cults get established.

One problem with this belief system is that it has no foundation. There is no foundation of truth. Just as our physical world has natural laws, so do our spiritual world. A man that I greatly admire is Mahatma Gandhi. But one thing he stated that I totally disagree with is that he proclaimed to be Hindu, Muslim and Christian. This can not be. Each one contradicts the other. Only one can be true. I will not go into the beliefs of each at these at this time but will try to give you a real foundation that generic spirituality does not offer.

1 Cor. 3:11 states,” For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” and
2 Tim. 2:19, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: the Lord knows those who are His’, and,’Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’”
And bear with me one more Scripture, “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” , Eph. 2:20
Now how can any of the others compare to a God that wishes to indwell His people. No other even offers such a life. Can you see that there is no generic belief that can stand, only the one that gives us seal.
Jesus stated Himself,”I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

Jesus says He is the way. He is the path to God. To the Father, which no other religion pictures their God or force as a Father. Generic Spirituality takes a person nowhere. I’ve heard it said that even reincarnation is like being on a hamster's wheel. You go around and around but go nowhere. Mohammad said that even he did not know if he would make it to heaven. If Islam’s prophet doesn’t even have assurance that he will make it, who will? But the followers of Christ are given assurance and more.
It is said that all religions and belief systems has some truth to them. Even atheism has a little. That is a true statement, but only Jesus contains all the truth of the ages. He is the personification of truth.
And last, people who choose to believe that God is a force that holds everything together but is impersonal.

Jesus said that He was the life, the all that matters. He created life and keeps life together and gives life. The Greek word for “Life” John 14:6 is the word Zoe. Meaning both the physical and spiritual life. I’ve heard it called the God Life”. Jesus said in John 6:63,” It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The Words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” ; John 10:28,”And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” and the most famous of the sayings of Jesus, John 10:10,” The thief does not come except to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and they may have it more abundantly.

I hope I have answered the questions for you and have shown you that a belief system that lets you play God in choosing your own truth is a trap set by the “thief”. He wishes to let you think that you are clever enough to choose your own way while setting you on his way to destruction. Take into consideration what I have told you and choose to the path to life. 

Wayne Brooks
12/6/2019