September 7th WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

It Ain’t All Work

A Labor Day Special

Pleasure n: A source of enjoyment, gratification or satisfaction; delight. (to have fun, joy & associated with sharing, self-realization and high mindedness).

Labor n: Physical or mental exertion of a practical nature, as distinguished from exertion for the sake of amusement; work or specific task. (associated with childbirth or working for wages).

On Labor Day we take a break from working. Instead we look for having fun—a barbeque with family and friends, a trip to the beach, or simply a ‘do nothing day’. Some people work on their Labor Day—trying to get those chores done we have put off for the past few weeks. Say it not so, Tim! We need pleasure in our lives!

For example, let’s say that you married for work alone. You are not planning to have fun, joy or pleasure with your spouse. You are planning for work, work, and more work! I doubt if you would have said, “Yes.” But and I am sure you did, you want to keep that joy and fun throughout your marriage. No fun, no marriage—right!

Too often we only associate serving God as a task or labor. Where is the joy or pleasure in being a child of God? I do not think we plan ‘fun or joy’ in our relationship with Christ enough—we never have a Spiritual Labor Day.

Here are some helpful tips on your Spiritual Labor Days (they ought to be many and planned):

Ø Read the Bible for pleasure not just for learning.

Ø Find a few songs that you just like to sing—put them on your electronic devices and sing-a-long for pleasure not for seeking God.

Ø Tell Jesus what you like about Him (just like you would your spouse) and offer him a spiritual kiss of appreciation (just like you would your spouse).

Ø Smile when you pray (talk to God); realize He is smiling at you also.

Ø Just tell God what you are thinking of doing or wanting to do (just like you do with your spouse) by putting excitement in your voice.

Ø Have anticipation of God arriving along your daily walk with Him (I look forward to seeing my wife when we have something planned). God always has something planned for you each day—He will show up.

Ø Remember when you take pleasure in ‘doing good’ to others, you are doing good to God—enjoy your non-labor.

If my thesis is not convincing enough, try explaining why God rested on the seventh day after all His labor—I wonder what kind of fun He did?

WWJWMTD

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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