Whose story is it?
Our discussion last week turned to the Sphere of Labor, which might be considered the “engine” that makes the General Economic Model run. The General Economic Model is consists of 1) God, who delegates management responsibilities to 2) Stewards, who exercise those responsibilities over 3) All things, which belong wholly to God. The Sphere of Labor is consists of 1) Owners, who delegate authority to 2) Managers, who have management responsibilities over 3) Workers.
We began an examination of seven economic principles found in scripture. Principle number 1 is: “All things belong to God.” (Psalm 50:9-12)
Whatever your position in the Sphere of Labor, this one principle radically changes that role. This reality – that God owns everything – completely changes the focus of work. This reality puts the focus on God, rather than on Man. Which brings us to the issue of “Meta-narrative” and “Mini-narrative”, a concept from The Truth Project that is extremely useful in maintaining proper perspective.
A “narrative” is a story. The “meta-narrative” is a term used to describe the larger, over arching story of all of time and eternity. Since God not only owns all things, but is sovereign over all things, He is the one who writes the “script” for the “meta-narrative”. The meta-narrative is His story based on His script. If I really believe this, then I begin each day with this question in mind – “What role am I to play in God’s script today?” This would of course impact my work. Why you ask? Because everything is part of God’s meta-narrative, including work! If I look at my work as part of God’s larger story, then I have a very different view of work than the one the world foists upon me. Unfortunately, there is another story that often get’s in the way. It’s called the “mini-narrative”.
The mini-narrative is the smaller story, and I write the script. It is MY story based on MY script. When I allow the mini-narrative to become more important than the meta-narrative, then I begin each day with a different question in mind – “What role will God play in my script today?” This is a huge shift in perspective – everything is now all about me and what I want, and I cannot help carrying this attitude into the world of work.
I have described to you two drastically different world views – History vs. Mystory. When we adopt a biblical worldview, we recognize that “It’s all about God” – His plan, His story, His script. We recognize that He is sovereign, and ask ourselves “What role am I to play in His story today?” When we adopt the modern culture’s worldview (when we are taken captive), “It’s all about Me” – My plan, My story, My script. We fail to recognize and acknowledge His sovereignty, and ask ourselves “What role will God play in working out My story today?”
Ask yourself this question: “Whose story is it?” Be honest, now. The answer to this question will have a huge impact on your ability to view work as God designed it. If the answer is “It’s My story”, then we will look just like the rest of the world in the workplace. But if your answer is “it’s His story”, then you must acknowledge God’s sovereignty, and recognize that whatever the work is that currently engages you, it is work that is part of His plan and it matters! Then, and only then, can we do our work “for the glory of God alone.”
We began an examination of seven economic principles found in scripture. Principle number 1 is: “All things belong to God.” (Psalm 50:9-12)
Whatever your position in the Sphere of Labor, this one principle radically changes that role. This reality – that God owns everything – completely changes the focus of work. This reality puts the focus on God, rather than on Man. Which brings us to the issue of “Meta-narrative” and “Mini-narrative”, a concept from The Truth Project that is extremely useful in maintaining proper perspective.
A “narrative” is a story. The “meta-narrative” is a term used to describe the larger, over arching story of all of time and eternity. Since God not only owns all things, but is sovereign over all things, He is the one who writes the “script” for the “meta-narrative”. The meta-narrative is His story based on His script. If I really believe this, then I begin each day with this question in mind – “What role am I to play in God’s script today?” This would of course impact my work. Why you ask? Because everything is part of God’s meta-narrative, including work! If I look at my work as part of God’s larger story, then I have a very different view of work than the one the world foists upon me. Unfortunately, there is another story that often get’s in the way. It’s called the “mini-narrative”.
The mini-narrative is the smaller story, and I write the script. It is MY story based on MY script. When I allow the mini-narrative to become more important than the meta-narrative, then I begin each day with a different question in mind – “What role will God play in my script today?” This is a huge shift in perspective – everything is now all about me and what I want, and I cannot help carrying this attitude into the world of work.
I have described to you two drastically different world views – History vs. Mystory. When we adopt a biblical worldview, we recognize that “It’s all about God” – His plan, His story, His script. We recognize that He is sovereign, and ask ourselves “What role am I to play in His story today?” When we adopt the modern culture’s worldview (when we are taken captive), “It’s all about Me” – My plan, My story, My script. We fail to recognize and acknowledge His sovereignty, and ask ourselves “What role will God play in working out My story today?”
Ask yourself this question: “Whose story is it?” Be honest, now. The answer to this question will have a huge impact on your ability to view work as God designed it. If the answer is “It’s My story”, then we will look just like the rest of the world in the workplace. But if your answer is “it’s His story”, then you must acknowledge God’s sovereignty, and recognize that whatever the work is that currently engages you, it is work that is part of His plan and it matters! Then, and only then, can we do our work “for the glory of God alone.”
In Christ -
John
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