Newsflash: nobody ever got to their deathbed, and in reflecting on their lifetime, said to themselves, “Boy, I wish I had spent more time in the office!” No one ever said that. They said, “I wish I spent more time with family. I wish I spent more time having fun. I wish I spent more time relaxing.” They don’t say, “I wish I spent more time working.

There isn't a single person in the United States of America who doesn't have a possession that goes unused for a year. Every one of us has extra STUFF. Martha and I made a rule when we got married 35 years ago that if anything went unused in our home over the period of a year, we would give it away. And guess what, there's only been a few times I've given away something I wish I hadn't. The reality is that we all have things that go unused, whether they are possessions, talents, giftings, or resources.

Every step of the iWork4Him Nation Covenant is important, but today I want to talk to you about step three. Step three is the perfect tenet to execute during the summertime. Step three puts our money where our mouth is. It puts our faith into action outside of the office. Step three goes like this: “Look for ways to befriend your coworkers, employees, and bosses outside of work where you can develop a real relationship.” Step three is the place where you get to share your life, and in sharing your life, you are sharing God the giver of life.

A year and a half ago, we set off on a journey to write a trilogy that would encourage everyday believers in their work and retirement: iWork4Him, sheWorks4Him, and iRetire4Him. When we started this project, we had no idea the enormous undertaking it would be to write and release three books simultaneously. Everybody said it was impossible. I said it was like eating an elephant, one bite at a time.

Our country, a nation built on the value of freedom, is a mess… but not for the reason you think. It’s largely a mess because many of those who call themselves “Christians” have chosen to live in freedom from the obligation to do right and freedom to pursue self-interest under the guise of the “American Dream,” rather than in Jesus’ freedom.

The reality is that our world is broken; our communities are broken; broken by sin, by poverty, by hatred, by darkness. And tragically, the Church has largely turned over its responsibility to bring hope, healing, and provision to government programs. But God is asking you to step up, to bring hope and healing to your community and all He requires is willingness.

Jesus put loving your neighbor right up there with loving God. It's THAT important. So how do we move beyond just being a "good" neighbor and into being a Christ-like neighbor? How do we live out our faith in our neighborhoods… especially if we've been living in the area for a long time and NOBODY even knows we're a Christ-follower?

Here's the truth: we can be great, big Jesus followers at work, but if we neglect our family, it discounts our witness and testimony.

1 John 4:11-12 says, "Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us." In other words, the way that you love your family should be an extension, an expression of God's love for you. And if it isn't, then your life is not expressing the gospel in its fullness.

“When Jesus gave the great commission, it was to fisherman and tax collectors – it was to nobodies. Yet, Jesus chose to use them to spread the gospel to every nation, and it was Jesus who empowered them to do so. In the same way, God wants to use you in whatever profession you’re in to bring the good news those around you!”

“You can’t pay God back with your good deeds, you can’t scam the heavenly ledger, and you sure can’t escape the death sentence delivered. It’s hopeless. But then Jesus rescued us! He said, “I will pay the sin debt for you; you just need to give your old life to me in exchange for a new one that comes without a death sentence.”