Workplace Reformation

The serene beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world next to the power of God. — Blaise Pascal

The reformation brought about many things in the sixteenth century, including a destruction of aristocracy, an unprededented equality and the closure of the gulf between the laity and the priesthood.

The established church was ensconced in power – considering their ministry sacred and despising all else as secular.

But the New Testament teaches something altogether different

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

— I Peter 2:9

“Power to the People,” as the masses read the Bible for themselves – and it changed their lives.

Suddenly, the sacred found itself in music, in art, in expressions of kind. Men built bridges to God and erected buildings for His glory. Farmers plowed the sacred ground of the Almighty and blacksmith banged their awls as unto the Lord.

Today, many of us have retreated to the Middle Ages of the workplace. Our work is sadly, just work. It’s a penance because we are not independently wealthy. It’s punishment for some undetermined sin. We labor. We sweat. We toil for nothing.

We have forgotten the power of the Reformer, the ushering in of the wonderful day-to-day ministry of the sacred. Even if you are Catholic, you can appreciate the daily inward dwelling of God and can recognize that it should make a difference in what you do, “into His wonderful light.”

Please, share with a friend if you feel moved.
Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert

Workplace reformation