What Is It to Do God’s work?

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This morning I hold the story of The Prodigal Son before us and ask, what is it to do God’s work? Spiritually, we would probably all agree that we are here to do God’s work as best we humbly can. But what exactly does that mean? I hear the nudge to “stay in our lane,” to trust that some burdens belong to the Lord, and I return to the father in the story who “treats the two of them beautifully.” The brother’s scorekeeping spirit feels familiar, yet the father’s response sets the pattern: “God’s work is always welcome.” Today I choose the simple word welcome. To practice a love that transforms rather than transacts. Boundaries still matter, since wisdom protects love, as Jesus says, “gentle as a dove, wise as a serpent.” Swedenborg teaches that divine providence aims at a heaven from the human race, and that the Lord never casts anyone out; we step toward what we love. So I sit in that middle place as best I can, “welcome, welcome, welcome,” and let the Father’s joy be my work for today.