Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
“When you make your work your identity … if you’re successful it destroys you because it goes to your head. If you’re not successful it destroys you because it goes to your heart — it destroys your self-worth … Faith gives you an identity that’s not in work or accomplishment, and that gives you insulation against the weather changes. If you’re successful, you stay humble. If you’re not successful, you have some ballast.”
Tim Keller as cited by interviewer, Joseph Sunde, in “Timothy Keller on Work as Service vs. Idolatry” in the Acton Institute Blog dated 12 December 2012.
My weekend men’s retreat at Camp Spofford on Faith & Work wrapped up nicely, but we had flight complications, so Jenni and I were stuck in Hartford, Connecticut, last night. Lord willing, we will return safely home to Colorado on an early flight this morning.
As today marks the start of another work week, I want to remind you to place your identity in Christ as a basis for serving as a generous worker. If your identity is in your work, it will destroy you, but when it is Christ, you are positioned for generous service empowered by the grace and strength of God.