Yesterday, I was visiting with a friend from the church. He is the assistant manager of a large company that is open twenty-four hours a day. He was recently injured on the job which required surgery and convalescent time. I asked about his recovery and returning to work. That’s when he shared something that made me very sad and happy at that same time.
Prior to his injury, he had an agreement with the company that he would work any shift except Sunday mornings because he did not want to miss church. I know that because he is an exceptional person, his manager was willing to accommodate his desire to attend church. Their arrangement worked well.
Upon returning to work, after recovering from surgery, there was a new manager. This manager scheduled him to work on Sunday mornings. When he reminded the new manager of his agreement with the company to work any shift but Sunday mornings, his manager said, “What’s more important?” Then the new manager said he would never get a promotion if he didn’t work on Sunday mornings. He had to choose between continuing to climb the corporate ladder or going to church.
We had this discussion at church. It was clear he had made his decision. He would not compromise. This was a line he would not cross. I am his biggest fan.
The world will always want us to compromise our faith for money, career, relationship, status, the list goes on and on…..
But for those who follow Jesus Christ, there can be no compromise with the powers of this world. That’s exactly what Jesus meant by saying: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
It’s not that working on Sunday mornings is bad. I work every Sunday morning. It’s about compromising with the world.
You may work the sort of job that means you do work some Sunday mornings. That’s not a bad thing. It’s life. But if this life pushes you to compromise between God and anything else, choose God. He must always be first.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I live in a world that is always competing for my allegiance. Help me to put you first in every aspect of my life. I want my life to bring you joy. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Yesterday’s conversation reminded me that God speaks through people. He spoke to me through my friend. Yesterday was a good day.
Also, now that I’ve had a few minutes to think about it, I am going to ask my boss if I can have off on Sunday mornings to go to church. I wonder what he’ll say?
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 