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This Gospel text is what is usually called the mission statement of Jesus. Nowadays, it is fashionable for companies, schools, and communities to formulate mission statements. The mission statement answers the questions, why are we here, and what is our mission in life? Most of us are working people. That is why we cannot go beyond seven o’clock in the morning because people here have to meet their bundy clocks and time records. We are working people. What is our mission in life?
We work to become, not to acquire. We work to become co-partners of God in the work of creation. We work, not to earn money. We work not for hanapbuhay. We work because we want to share in the creative power of God for the world. In this task of becoming through our work, there are two dangers that we need to be cautious about. The first is laziness. To say, “I am just contented with my work, period. I don’t like any other work.” We know our giftedness. If we know that we can carry 1000 lbs, why are we only carrying ten? Is it on the premise that we want to enjoy life and we don’t want to overburden ourselves? We must maximize our talents.
The other extreme is excessive ambition. The drive, the push to achieve all the time, no matter what the cost may be. Sometimes the cost is sacrificing family life. Sometimes the cost is compromising Christian principles. Other times the cost is friendships suffering. Again, I say, we work to become, not to acquire, because the best verb in the kingdom of God is to be, not to have.
“TO BE” NOT “TO HAVE”
Mt. 13:53
Love Like Jesus
