Weekend Wrap Up, Find your Rhythm

6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 2 These 3:6

Yesterday, I started a series on "Rhythms" in hopes that our congregation would be encouraged to start the new year with plans to take action to integrate their work, worship, and rest into all areas of their lives. This challenge is perfect for the new year as we begin the first full week of 2019. How many of us live our lives intentionally drawing the pieces and places of it together in a rhythm instead of them bleeding or spilling into one another by being overwhelmed or out of harmony?

Paul's letter to the Thessalonians was to encourage them amongst those who sat idling in their existence amongst the church who were intentional with the teaching and tradition they received from him. The avoidance he instructed wasn't to keep the church as an exclusive or spiteful club, but to have those who were not engaging in the new way feel the loss of it and to be drawn back into the community by contributing to it.

I can consider many moments in life where I was very busy, but it wasn't contributing to the work of the Gospel in my world. My priorities were my task master, not the great commission of Jesus. I was idle in the sense that I compartmentalized the work of drawing all areas of my life into complete obedience to the will of the Father. Let me tell you, that takes work day in and day out. Yet, that is what we are called to work at and not be idle of.

As this first full week of 2019 starts, how are we bringing praise, prayer, wisdom, and scripture into our daily work? How also are you being intentional with the time that is given to rest in a fashion that sets you up for the call to be available for God's divine appointments for you to show is grace, mercy, and love? There really isn't room for idleness to take shape in the walk of a disciple, yet there is a call for rest that enables deeper devotion in the work of your hands and the availability of the Spirit to work through you.

See the day, the week, and this season of life to find joy that you have been given a divine role in God's kingdom. A role that is significant to the salvation of others whom you are occupying the same space with day to day. Be available to have a rhythm of work, worship, and rest that maximizes the result of a life that is in harmony with the Father.

Keep Looking Up!