Groundhog Day is one of the best comedies of all time. But did you know it’s also considered one of the most spiritual movies ever made? What can its themes teach us about the importance of our work?
God’s preferred method of keeping society running is through people. Some of the work most undervalued by society is essential to its function.
In the presence of God, Moses was required to respect the holy ground he was standing on. But God’s presence extends far beyond the burning bush of Exodus. We should be mindful that the earth is the Lord’s and since we are always in his presence everywhere we tread is in fact holy ground.
God seems to have designed “community” as the operating system for accomplishing his mission in our world. While many individuals and sectors have made great efforts in renewal and restoration, there is something that happens when people are committed to working together that brings unique power and depth to their work.
So, would you believe me if I told you that young people “have brought delinquency, truancy, promiscuity, alcohol abuse and suicide down to levels unseen in many cases since the 1950’s?”
The gospel, the Good News, actually starts here: God saw all that he had made (including the world, humans and their work), and it was very good. God created us as partners in creation. This was the original design.
On page 103 of her book Kingdom Calling Amy Sherman highlights six characteristics of God’s work. His work is redemptive, creative, provisional, just, compassionate and revelatory. If what you do falls into one of these categories – and it almost certainly does – your work is significant because God can do his work through yours.
The salvation worldview is a really important part of the gospel picture, but it’s not the whole story. It has actually devalued much of the work and effort that we invest with our lives every day.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. – Hebrews 11:1
Indeed God truly is the giver of every good gift. As we count blessings and give thanks this holiday, let us remember not only the gifts and blessings we have, but the God who is good and loves us forever.