27 February 2011 - ENCS

Rachel Ong spoke about "Performance Orientation"
For the "Grace Works" series continuation
She talked about how many of us strive to be the best
By doing so much, trying so hard, and acing every test
But to Psalm 46 verse 10 she told us to refer
Instead of 'be still', 'cease striving' she did prefer

Rachel then spoke of a performance oriented person
Ten characteristics she listed before she was done
Always stressed, often down, never contented were three
Not happy with self or others, all the time being a worker bee
An inability to find rest or peace, never keeping still
Constantly trying to prove something (climbing every hill)
Getting a kick out of a challenge, wondering what is next
(Or 'chasing after the wind' per the Ecclesiastes text)
While Rachel was in the midst
Of running through that list
She pointed out that if on God's word we meditate
Our inability to have rest will noticeably abate
For it makes it so much easier to sleep
If a Bible verse to memory each night we keep

Rachel then shared traits of a person overflowing with grace
An important contrast, although she spoke at a rather rapid pace
Comfortable with not doing anything (without being lazy)
Being okay without knowing the future (that's not crazy)
Next was being able to listen attentively to God and others
Not feeling obliged to always be involved, even with brothers
Being secure in knowing who they are in Christ was number five
Not having to prove anything to anyone else while being alive
They have nothing to lose or hide because they are humble
And by being content, in God's eyes they won't stumble
She referred to 1 Timothy 6:6 once again
"Godliness with contentment is great gain"

Rachel then talked of how performance orientation can be overcome
Referring to Luke 10:38-42 when to Martha's house Jesus did come
She highlighted the difference between performance and grace
Some of what would have been evident on Martha's face
She said that three things "drive Christians nuts"
Very convincingly - no ifs, ands, or buts
The first is if authorities don't give enough attention
But God is the ultimate authority was her contention
The second is trying to do God's work with our own powers
We will fail even if we work throughout all twenty four hours
Third is doing something for God that he did not tell us to do
Even if every week we might sing hymns and sit in a pew
At home and at work, we need to walk in grace
Caring about others and showing them face
If we are secure in Christ, criticism will not us faze
And our words and actions will help to others amaze
At how we spend our time Rachel asked us to look
Do we spend more time with the Bible or on facebook?
She then asked us Isaiah chapter two to see
"Go up to His mountain", per verse three
For knowing God's word is different than knowing Him
Knowledge with the brain brings pride, which is grim
But humility comes from knowledge with the heart
Letting God instruct us how to play our part

In conclusion, Rachel said that change comes from God
And versus performance orientation, grace must get the nod