I Don’t Want to Work. I Want to Watch and Wish.

Have you ever heard the quote: “We become like what we behold.”

It sounds nice, but when you think about it a bit, it’s not entirely true. Beholding means to look at something rather spectacular. It has the power to captivate our gaze for a moment, but by itself, it cannot permanently change our hearts or behaviour.

We certainly need plenty of moments to behold and be captivated by something inspiring. Scripture often uses the word “behold” to urge the reader to pay close attention. The emphasis is to motivate us to action. It should compel us to act, but often, when the moment passes, so does the will to act.

For example: it is helpful to watch the Pilates instructor demonstrating the different stretches. I am always inspired and encouraged to go and do it myself. But I can watch a Pilates workout video all day long – I’m not getting that toned, supple body unless I put in the work.

“We don’t get what we wish for, we get what we work for.”

Work in God’s Kingdom is not a curse but a blessing of purpose, growth, and fruit! Adam and Eve were mandated to be workers in the garden of Eden before the fall.

But in a fallen world, we cannot put in the work (to be transformed) without help. And this is why we are given the Holy Spirit upon salvation: the moment we put our faith in Jesus and are saved, God gives us His Spirit to live inside of us.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to put the work in (2 Corinthians 3:18 And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.).

And as Christians, God’s Word says in Philippians 2:12-13, we need to work out – apply/use the gift of – our salvation in our daily lives.

Transformation happens when we partner with the Holy Spirit, putting the Word of God into action. (James, to already saved, Spirit-filled believers in James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”) We are to take responsibility.

What is important to note is that there are no degrees or tiers of salvation. You cannot progress to a higher level of “salvationism.” We cannot improve our right standing with God or our righteousness. By all means, no!

We are fully saved and completely righteous when we are in Christ. “In Christ” refers to when we accepted the gift of salvation; repented from our own form of godliness and self-righteousness, and entrusted our lives to Jesus. In Christ, we immediately reach the “highest level of savedness” and righteousness!

Some Christians view good works as a way to get closer to God. It is not so. We are the closest to God we’ll ever be. Through Jesus, we are His! Now and forevermore!

Yet, even though we are His beloved sons and daughters, He still gives us the daily choice to live like His sons and daughters – or not. This is possibly the greatest demonstration of true love: to allow us the freedom of choice.  God is not controlling or manipulative. In His kindness, He allows us the privilege to partner with Him in our transformation. And despite our often bad choices, God will never leave nor forsake us.

So why should I want to put in the work to become more like Jesus when I already have my ticket to heaven?

Here’s the paradox: you are, in fact, putting in the work.

The more correct question to ask is: “What work am I putting in?”

Is it worth it?

Living for God will cost you. But compromising will cost you more.

“Marriage is hard work. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard.
Obesity is hard. Being fit is hard work. Choose your hard.
Being in debt is hard. Being financially disciplined is hard work. Choose your hard.
Communication is hard work. But not communicating is also hard…”

Life is not without work. But we get to choose.

Putting in the work to become more like Jesus, with the help of the Holy Spirit, gives us a purpose of immeasurable value. Eternal value. Eternal impact!

I need to stress here that although this article highlights our responsibility in partnering with the Holy Spirit, the ‘practice’ of true Christianity cannot be separated from the presence of God. Separating the two is like baking bread and expecting the dough to rise but there is no yeast or rising agent added to the flour. It will be a flop. Guaranteed.

Prayerfully consider the following:

What work do I need to put in? What do I need to stop doing, and what do I need to start doing? Where am I stuck in my own comforts instead of God’s guidance?

• Stop wasting hours scrolling social media feeds, and be more diligent in your time with God by putting a healthy routine in place.

• Stop being silent, and start setting a standard by saying NO to ungodliness.

• Stop settling and lowering your standards because of the manipulation of worldly family, and start taking a stand for God!

• Stop listening to the wrong, negative, toxic voices, and instead go to church and hear the Word of God!

• Stop hanging with fake friends at the gym, sports field, or work, trying to fit in; instead, find a community with similar values who can build you up.

• Stop complaining about the country, and start serving your local community. (An easy place to start is at church.)

• Stop speaking badly of yourself, and start proclaiming the goodness of God.

• Stop eating junk food and neglecting your health; start looking after your body so you can make the most of what God gave you!

• Stop looking at what you don’t have, and start thanking God for what you have.

“When you realize the deepest desires of your heart are fulfilled in Christ, life gets much simpler.” – Francis Chan

Absolutely! Jesus is worth putting in the work for.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17

Stop being afraid of losing your life and reputation; start living like what you believe is worth losing both for! May we be known as a people who take responsibility for the lives we live and make it count.