Years ago I had a water cooler conversation with a coworker who complained, “I’m tired of just working for the man!” To that point we had worked for a good company, and morale was fairly positive, but we found ourselves in the midst of a stressful software implementation. There were long hours, late nights, and tense outbursts from just about everyone. We had a deadline to meet, and time was ticking. The demands coming down from management were many, and the rewards were few. My friend said what we were all thinking, “I’m tired of just working for the man!”
Who is “the man”? The boss is “the man” of course. And in our case, we were experiencing the full weight his authority. We knew that our professional destinies were in his hands, and that we had better get things done or else face his wrath. It was extremely tense, and what used to be a peaceful, even fun, work environment became a stress fest with a lot of friction between coworkers. We were all fighting for survival, and we ended up fighting with each other.
Thankfully, in the end we all survived and we got the project completed…close to on time.
Does the Christian life amount to just “working for the man?”
Is that what the Christian life is like, just slugging it out, trying to keep the boss happy with us, so as to not jeopardize our future? Sadly, it often feels this way. We tend to view God like a temperamental, slave driver who demands much and gives little. But, we couldn’t be further from the truth.
The truth is God is not a tyrannical boss; He is a gracious, generous Father. He does have standards as to how we should treat Him and others, but knowing our utter sinfulness and inadequacy, He decided to provide for us everything He expects from us through Jesus.
When the time was right, He sent His Son to live in our place, to live under the law and to fulfill it.[1] From the beginning of His life to the end, Jesus did it all and He did it all right. He loved His Father and others perfectly. It was all for the glory of God and the good of His people. He lived without sin and died for our sin. It is finished![2] The work is done; we are free to rest.
This has huge implications for our relationship with God and others?
Since all the expectations have been met, you are free to relate to God as a son to a Father. In fact, you can call Him “daddy” if you’d like.[3] You are unconditionally loved by Him, and are part of His family forever.
You are liberated to live with passion for Him and compassion for others. This is what Jesus was getting at when He said on several occasions to the Pharisees, “I desire compassion, and not sacrifice.”[4]
The religious folks of Jesus’ day had the same tendency to misunderstand God that we have today, viewing Him as a strict task master. They also had the same drive to work, or “sacrifice,” their way to God’s favor. And there were devastating implications.
They were unable to see and appreciate God’s compassion toward them, and they were unable to extend compassion toward others. They mercilessly trampled on the needy sinners around them.
Sadly, we often make the same mistake.
The solution is to have an accurate view of our heavenly Father. Only when we realize that Christianity is not about our sacrifices for Him, but His sacrifice for us will compassion flow. Jesus gave it all so that we might be forgiven and accepted forever. He worked that we might rest. He died that we might live. Having been shown this kind of infinite mercy, we are invited to share it with others.
The Christian life is not about “working for the man,” but “resting in the Son.” As broken sinners who have been saved by His grace, we can give thanks for His compassion and the opportunity we have to share it with others.
[1] Matt. 5:17; Gal. 4:4
[2] John 19:30
[3] Gal. 4:6
[4] Matt. 9:13; 12:7