Too Spiritual January 19, 2016

¹³ “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. ¹⁴ For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.  Matthew 7:13 ESV

Can we spiritualize scripture too much?  Do we hold the Holy Writ too lofty at times?  While scripture is the inspired word of God, and much be treated with the utmost respect and reverence, it is also a manual for daily living.  An instruction book for the mundane.  A road map for the everyday.  Today's verse is a case in point.

At first blush, Matthew 7:13 is referencing salvation and entering the kingdom of heaven.  But I am also struck by its commonplace application for work, relationships, parenting, etc.

Today's verse will help me become a better administrator.  For the past several weeks at school, I have found myself busy but accomplishing little.  Days fly by with little to show for my time.  I had not narrowed my gate.  I have allowed my days to become an unrelated mishmash of conversations, short classroom visits, lunchroom duty, and email barrages, but have lacked focus.  Days of a wide gate, that while easy, has accomplished little.

Christ talks of a narrow gate being difficult, but leading to life.  I need to approach work that same way with the focus of a narrow gate.  What needs to be accomplished today, this week, this month?  What are the priorities that need attention? Floating through the days at work may be an easier, wider gate, but it does not lead to progress, success, accomplishment.  

God wants to be not just our Sunday God, but the Lord of Monday through Saturday. He wants to be the Lord of our tenets, tithes, and talk.  His Word will guide our worship, will, and work.  He was a carpenter so He understands deadlines, customer service, and time clocks.  He is the God of the ordinary as well as the extraordinary.  Take Him with you to work today.