Busyness: Good Busy

I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NKJV)

Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?... And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Luke 2:49,52 (NKJV)

My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.

John 5:17 (NKJV)

Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 1:22 (NKJV)

It's good to be busy in a good thing, and Christians know… ALL good things come from God.

‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning’ (James 1:17).

Missionaries, pastors, servants, planters, builders, helpers, healers, heroes, and stars…. are actors, models, and talent for Christ.

They perform for the King, search for the lost, and fight the good fight--all to hear these Words at Earth's finale:

'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord' (Matthew 25:23).

To arrive at that high and mighty Place, we must embrace our low and humble role. Jesus played it first. Earth’s Leading Man called Himself a Servant.

In submission to God and government, He saved us from death--in the most dramatic rescue EVER. In the process, He made a casting call:

  • 'Behold, I say to you, 'Lift up your eyes and look at the fields. They are already white for harvest' ' (John 4:35).

  • ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest’ (Matthew 9:37-38).

  • 'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations' (Matthew 28:19).

  • 'Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature' (Mark 16:15).

  • 'You are witnesses of these things' (Luke 24:48). 'As the Father has sent Me, I also send you' (John 20:21).

Staying put in our pews is not the job Jesus had in Mind. Ideally, it’s a pre-occupation (as preparation for the path ahead). Because if the High Priest occupies us, we MUST be about our Father's business.

Note: Baby Christians aren’t expected to work. But grown-up Christians MUST follow Jesus. (Or we’re in dereliction of duty.)

His business is our urgent Commission.

'Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord' (Hosea 10:12).

Busyness: Good Busy (Part 2)

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban