Word of the Week: Hustle

In sports, hustle is a good word. To describe an athlete as someone who makes a lot of “hustle” plays means that they are people who give much more than average effort. They dive for lose balls, sprint when other players are fatigued and slowing down. Crowds go wild for hustle plays!

Is there ever an occasion for a hustle play for believers?  Here is an unusual line from the Apostle Paul:

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1 Cor. 15:10 ESV)

I’m sure some readers think Paul was boasting, but there is an important point in the broader context of establishing his authority over the super teachers who were impressing some in the Corinthian church.  He outhustled them. He outworked them.

We can’t keep up a hustle pace forever, but sometimes hustle is needed. I’m thankful to work at a church with staff and volunteers who aren’t afraid to get their hustle on. I work with some hard workers, and I serve a church with volunteers who know how to put their hustle on when needed. I’ve been having to scramble a bit this week myself, but I notice others putting in a lot of extra effort.

I know none of us can keep it up forever. That’s why God put the Sabbath into place. I’m thankful to work with highly motivated servants of God, and to serve with so many members who aren’t afraid to hustle!

Blessings,

Don