“No man securely commands but he who has learned to obey.”
Thomas A. Kempis
My grandpa started the first real estate company in Arizona in 1920. The family business was eventually handed over to my parents. While I was in high school I worked part time, filing papers and other jobs at the family business. I didn’t decide what I would do, didn’t initiate the jobs I would perform, but instead did what my parents asked me to do. I discovered Jesus behaved the same way as He carried on the family business.
The Passion Translation in John 8:28b-29 reads: “Then you will realize that I do nothing on my own initiative, but I only speak the truth that the Father has revealed to me. I am His messenger and He is always with me, for I only do that which delights His heart.” Even the Son of God, did not take matters into His own hands, without first getting the green light from His Father.
While Jesus worked at the family business, He only spoke what God had shown Him, as He took on the messenger’s role. Jesus obeyed His Father. It was His love for His Father which motivated Jesus to obey and do what delighted God’s heart.
Likewise, as Christians, as sons and daughters in the family business, we’re to obey our heavenly Father and follow in Jesus’ steps. Instead of initiating my own ambitions, I’m to submit to Gods. I’m to speak God’s truth and be His messenger to those He directs me to. I am grateful God is always with me just like He was with His Son. And it’s my love for God which encourages me to bring Him pleasure. True joy comes from knowing I did what the Father asked me to do.
In a way, our move to Wichita was our answer to God’s question, “Do you love Me?” Do you love Me more than the comfort of the familiar and beloved Omaha? Do you love Me more than the companionship and closeness of your family and friends? Do you love Me more than the ease of convenience? Do you love me more than facing your fears? Our answer was a resounding YES! Working in the family business requires telling the Father yes, through our acts of obedience.
“It is a vain thought to flee from the work that God appoints us, for the sake of finding a greater blessing, instead of seeking it where alone it is to be found-in loving obedience.”
George Eliot
Relevant Reflections:
In what ways have you taken on the family business?
Do you wait for the Father’s go ahead before you act?
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