Devotional - 9/1/02
“An Easy Yoke”
Matthew 11:28-30 (Jesus said,) "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
I don't want to talk about your "gainful employment" job on this Labor Day; I want to talk about your "job" at your local church, whether it be volunteer, part-time, or full-time.
Labor Day -- the day we celebrate work by trying to not do it. I always thought that was ironic. I mean, how many holidays are celebrated by avoiding the very thing the holiday is about? Very strange.
Since becoming "self-employed," I have never really taken holidays like Labor Day off. Since the task load doesn't really vary on holiday weeks, I find that it's more stressful to try to pack that extra 20% of work into other days rather than just work right through on the holiday itself. Maybe I'd think differently if we saved money for trips and such, but we've never been much into that kind of thing, either.
So here I sit, doing my Monday devotional on Monday, even though for most of you it's a holiday. That's OK; I really don't mind.
In other words, "the yoke is easy."
In case I've never told you, I've never felt so blessed in a "job" since coming to work for the local church. For the first time in my life, I've really been able to build upon my natural talents, spiritual gifts, and skills, all the while applying them to the Lord's work. My pastor is the best "boss" I've ever had -- our personalities really complement each other as a employer/employee. And the people I have "supervised" in this job -- all of you are included here -- have brought me deep joy and satisfaction as I've seen you grow and stretch in the Lord.
Once again, "the yoke is easy."
Oh, that doesn't mean that it's all lounge chairs and pina coladas. This job has been the most stressful one I've ever had, too. The obstacles and pitfalls of church planting aren't just urban myths; they have translated to great sacrifice and hardship for my family and me over these last four years. But we wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
"The yoke is easy."
I truly hope that you can say the same thing about your "job" at the local church. I know that sometimes the "work" of ministry here can be grueling (and if it never has been for you, then I suggest you take the place of one of the Tech crew that comes in at 7:15 a.m. some week!). I know that sometimes you can work and work and it seems like nothing comes back. I know that there are days when you wonder if all the labor will even be worth it, when the struggles that our church faces threaten its very existence.
Believe me, any feelings you have had in this area, I have had too.
But I hope that during those times, you are blessed with the reminder that your labor for the Lord is never in vain if you dedicate it to him, rather than looking for the approval of men. For it is the yoke of Jesus that you carry when you work here, not the yoke of the pastor or me or even yourself. And the yoke of Jesus is always easy, when you remember His gentle and humble heart.
"The yoke is easy."
"The yoke is easy."
"The yoke is easy."
- Dale Haas