How Hard should we try?
Kesher Youth Gathering • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 2 viewsIn our culture we often have an idea that everything we do we need to be the best at or we need to try as hard as we can. Is this true? What does the scripture say about this.
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
How much effort?
How much effort?
I know we have all heard the saying “try as hard as you can in all you do” or we have heard it said “Do your best”. Often times there may even be a verse from the scriptures that accompanies these ideas. Does anyone know what that verse is?
I have heard many times it quoted as “In all you do, do it as if unto the Lord.”
Can you give an example of what this might look like? Has anyone ever encountered problems living this out?
<Share example of needing to be “right” because I want to do all that all do as if unto the Lord>
<Share example of playing a game and always winning and what happened after that.>
The problem is that quote is actually missing some key elements. The full verses that are often the source of the quote comes from 1 of 2 sources either 3 or from .
The full verses that are often the source of the quoted comes from 1 of 2 sources either or from .
reads: 7Serve with a positive attitude, as to the Lord and not to men—
Here is the other verses around that verse.
5Slaves, obey your human masters, with respect and reverence, with sincerity of heart, as you would the Messiah— 6not just under your master’s eye as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Messiah doing God’s will from the soul. 7Serve with a positive attitude, as to the Lord and not to men— 8knowing that whatever good each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. 9And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Stop using threats, knowing that the Master—of them and of you, too—is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
The context of the verse is about an orderly workplace relationship between a servant and their Master or Boss. It is about having a positive attitude in your actions.
As well the verse from is very similar in theme and context.
23Whatever you do, work at it from the soul, as for the Lord and not for people.
Here is the full contextual reading of the verse:
18Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and do not become harsh toward them.
20Children, obey your parents in every respect, for this is pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.
22Slaves, obey your human masters in every respect—not just within your master’s sight as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work at it from the soul, as for the Lord and not for people. 24For you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as a reward. It is to the Lord Messiah you are giving service. 25For the one doing wrong will be paid back for what he did wrong, and there is no favoritism.
What do you think these verses are talking about in regards to what we do? Can you give some examples of relationships you have today that are like this?
<Share example of work relationship with Boss and being asked to do something that I thought was not the best solution but doing it and being supportive in it>
So do we always need to make a full effort in everything we do? Do not get me wrong I am not saying we are to be lazy or slothful that is a SIN. What I am suggesting is that it is ok to take it easy. Some things we can enjoy without being the best at them.
<Story about something I am not good at but still enjoy, Playing Pool>
Because we can take it easy on some things and not put our full effort in to them. We are allowed to focus on the things that do require our full effort. Here are some things the scriptures say we should have our full effort in.
To do what is right rather that what is popular or pleasing.
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.
To be unified in Spirit
making every effort to keep the unity of the Ruach in the bond of shalom.
To be truthful and not argumentative
Make every effort to present yourself before God as tried and true, as an unashamed worker cutting a straight path with the word of truth.
To keep Shabbat
Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through the same pattern of disobedience.
To increase the attributes of Yeshua with in ourselves
5Now for this very reason, making every effort, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, patience; and to patience, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly love; and to brotherly love, love.
To remain true to our calling as believers in Yeshua
Therefore, brothers and sisters, make all the more effort to make your calling and election certain—for if you keep doing these things, you will never stumble.
To be at peace with HaShem and our Neighbors
And I will make every effort for you to always remember these things even after my departure.
2 Pe 3:14
Therefore, loved ones, while you are looking for these things, make every effort to be found in shalom, spotless and blameless before Him.
ADVERTISEMENT