The Sword and the Shovel
The Dualism of Work and Faith
Fact: life is far more complex than we give credit.
Not that anyone thinks life is easy, per se, but how often do you ask the question “why is this so hard?” It’s a fair and reasonable question, and it beckons an answer.
Having the blessing of working in a church, faith and work are nearly one in the same. I work to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ and perform my duties to empower and encourage people to replicate that mission. Systems, programs, meetings, relationships enable that work to be done—but what about those outside of church work? What about the broker, farmer, mother, father? Is there work less holy? Does the man who lays bricks and foundations for homes, is his work less important? Simply put, absolutely not!
From Brett’s sermon on opposition, he referenced Nehemiah 4:17 and said, “Christians in the room, what you are working on and working for has consequence.” Let me shift that around for this and reiterate. Christians here reading this, what you are working on and working for has impact—eternal impact. Your work matters. Being a boss, employee, father, mother, pool boy is not merely your occupation, it’s your mission.
Nehemiah 4:17 says, “the laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.” This is where the dualism comes in.
First, you have a job. I’m positive that isn’t news to you since you’ve been receiving a paycheck, paying bills, and buying food. Your job is providing for you and yours. Your job, however, is not simply what you do. It’s where you are. You are divinely placed in that position, occupation, and location for a purpose. That’s your shovel in your one hand.
Secondly, you have a calling. This is your sword. We know that in Ephesians, the armor of God is displayed for us to see and clothe ourselves in.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:14-17, ESV).
Our weapon of choice is God’s Word—scripture. In light of studying Nehemiah, he had the Lord’s word, but he also held a literal sword while he and the other Israelites constructed the new wall. We cannot rush past this description. If I asked, do you feel like you’ve been under attack recently, I know so many people who would answer with a resounding “YES.” It doesn’t take long to identify that our enemy is very real and very cunning. But we have access to something that is so powerful it makes the demons shutter.
So what, then? Live this dualism. Work well and hard. And sharpen your blade. In the last few weeks, I’ve seen and read too many saddening articles and reports on men and women who with one hand were doing such good work—some even Gospel work. They loved Jesus and were forwarding his kingdom. But with the other hand, they weren’t sharpening their blade. They weren’t reconstructing a wall. They were living a polarizing dualism.
Christian, focus. Parent, love. Father, teach. Mother, empower. You have two hands that have a purpose. Don’t simply grasp your shovel to build and secure. This only leaves you vulnerable to when the enemy comes. I’m proud that you’ve dedicated time, effort, money, emotion to construct whatever it is that you have built. That truly is wonderful. But you are defenseless, unprotected, and pigeon-holed.
Also, don’t only grasp your sword, waiting for the moment to arrive where you slay your enemy. Your blade may be sharp, but you’ve left your spouse, family, home, and neighborhood sit in decay in anticipation. You must rebuild. You must reconcile. You must work with the same focus that you give to protecting what matters.
Why? Because the most alive you can be is when you actively live, work, and worship as a follower of Jesus. Dear reader, you are a Christian first. From that, you work, lead, and play. We must establish this order: you follow Jesus and live according to His example, then you work. Christ and His word is your foundation. It is what sets you apart from the world. Being in Christ then allows you to pour yourself into your work, rather than pouring your soul into your work and then being a Christian once you’ve set down your duties as boss, employee, or parent. Your faith in Christ is your starting place and your reflection to humanity.
How then do we live to best shed this light? Does this mean you tokenize Christian things—a fish, cross, and bible verse—your office place? You can if you want. But that’s not the goal I’m trying to reach. To be a Christian in the work place means that you exemplify Christ in you work place and at home. You love best. You work excellently. You love unconditionally. The icons of faith are wonderful, but if John Doe who isn’t a Christian has fairer prices, better work, and a kinder smile, what kind of testimony are you showing? Don’t misunderstand me saying that this is some sort of competition, but rather a challenge. Dear Christian, we have been shown unconditional love and opportunity to replicate.
Jeremiah 29 makes this clear that while the Israelites were exiled in Babylon, that Babylon should be a better place because they are there. You live in the Lakeway or greater Lakeway area to make it a better place. Your sword—Christ and His word—paired with your shovel—your occupation, burden, passion—should result in you increasing the eternal value of the places you find yourself. That’s incredible to have such an opportunity: to impact someone’s life toward Jesus, call them to the same mission, and the surrounding area to look more like Heaven.
So, is life difficult? Yes. No one ever said it’d be easy. But imagine what would happen if you used both of your hands.
