Two Dimensional Thinkers

​“Charles Clark cleans toilets at Trinity High School in Euless, Texas. But he also helps kids turn their lives around — not because it was his job, but because it needed to be done . . .”[1]  You can watch him in action at http://omeleto.com/215307/.  Charles is committed to excellence.  This janitor takes pride in sweeping away dirt, mopping floors and sanitizing rooms because he takes his job seriously.  When he is not cleaning or repairing, he pours his life into mentoring teenagers who need guidance and the reassurance that someone loves and cares about them.  Mr. Clark understands that the students who populate Trinity High School are the greater investment.  So in the natural flow of work, he makes time to listen, to encourage and to touch the hearts of students.  

Meditation
2 Timothy 4:5—But as for you, be serious about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
 
Most people I know think one dimensionally.  Their job is a place to work and collect a paycheck—a means to an end.  One-dimensional people keep the world functioning.  But as Dietrich Bonhoeffer noted in The Cost of Discipleship, “Work for work’s sake is not a New Testament notion.”  This is why we need two-dimensional thinkers; people transformers.   This is in line with God’s calling for us!    

Two-dimensional thinkers are serious about everything because they see work as a ministry!  They observe the behavior of their coworkers and listen to their words so as to discern needs, to offer encouragement, and to know better how to pray.  There is no space with them for laziness, complaining or mediocrity because what they do and who they are is tied to the One they serve. 

Two-dimensional thinkers see adversity as opportunities. When the journey is perilous they remember Jesus who brutally hung on a cross to save them.  Pity parties are for those imprisoned not those who are pardoned.

Two-dimensional thinkers do their best so as to create opportunities to share about Jesus—the One who gives them hope, inspiration, zeal for excellence and wisdom for living.  

​Two-dimensional thinkers accomplish their assignments!  Where God leads them is not what consumes their thinking, how they can faithfully discharge their duties as servants of the Most High King is what captures their hearts.  And He helps them through the provision of His Holy Spirit.
 
Inspiration
Work in the biblical sense is always goal-oriented; it is action with an end in view.—J.I. Packer in A Passion For Faithfulness
 
©2015 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)

[1]http://omeleto.com/215307/