The term Work to Rule is familiar to most people living in England. It means to work according to predefined minimum requirements for a given job. Thus, the worker will work no weekends, no overtime, and no relief. He will make no effort to make up the time following a breakdown or delay. He may refuse to use equipment provided to increase efficiency. Realizing the paralyzing effect of such minimum effort, labor leaders use such action as an alternative to a strike.

Working to Rule is common in the church. Many establish what appears to them to be a reasonable set of minimum requirements for staying out of hell and then live accordingly. Usually it involves attending Sunday for "breaking of bread" (unless on holidays), giving a certain percentage of their income, perhaps "saying a little prayer" before retiring, and avoiding the grosser forms of immorality. They do not advertise or attend gospel meetings. They seldom attend Bible classes or Sunday evening services. "These are not required," they explain. If all the members of a given congregation were Work to Rule people the church would be no more effective than an industry by such action.

The Lord has never stated any minimum requirements. He speaks only in terms of total commitment, of seeking first the kingdom, of giving our bodies a living sacrifice.

The church in Ephesus, once a very zealous church fired by love for God, left their first love and settled down to Work to Rule. They maintained a minimum program of work and remained sound in teaching. But the Lord said, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the first works, or else I come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place – unless you repent" (Rev. 2:5).

We wonder how many churches may have had their candlesticks removed, and how many Christians have had their names blotted out of the book of life, not because they were on strike, but because they were working to some rule of their own devising.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).

Isaiah the prophet of the God spoke the following words in Isa.28:20 “For the bed is too short to stretch out on, And the covering so narrow that one cannot wrap himself in it.” Isaiah is speaking these words to the tribe of Ephraim one hundred hears before the Babylonian invasion. The tribe had begun to follow their own desires and were away from God and in sin. Thus, the statement is made “they were in a bed that was too short and too narrow.” In other words, they were living a life they were not meant for, they were engaged in a lifestyle of sin that separated them from God. This statement raises a thought for us…can you sleep in your bed? When you pillow your head at night can you sleep or has your bed spiritually become too short and too narrow? Notice a few beds that are too short and narrow.

(i)The Bed of Arrogance and Pride. Some try to sleep in a bed of self-sufficiency. Many folks have become puffed up with pride. However, such a bed should prove to be uncomfortable, because it is against the will of God for man (Prov.6:16-17). Peter states in I Pet.5:5,6 that we are too be clothed with humility. Jas.4:6 the Word reveals that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Throughout Scripture God opposes the proud. God desires His people to be humble. We need God and have nothing of which too be proud. How can you be comfortable in a bed not made for you? When man acts proud he is lying in a bed too short and too narrow.

(ii)The Bed of Worldly Pleasure. This bed looks so comfortable, but it is too short and narrow. People believe the pleasures of this world will bring lasting happiness and contentment, but this is a lie. Moses teaches us that such pleasures are passing (Heb.11:24-35). Paul instructs us that we need to focus our attention not on the world’s pleasure, but to set our affection on things above (Col.3:1-3). The bed of immorality and pleasure can look so good and tempting, but God said this is not made for you. Such is too short and narrow. Pleasures that are sinful bring a momentary pleasure, but it passes and we are left with the sin. What is lasting is those things that are high and holy.

(iii)The Bed of Denominationalism (Feel Good Religion). Any group of people that call themselves the people of God, must follow what God has said. Not to do so, is a bed that is too short and narrow. Notice the words of Jesus in Matt.15:8-9;12-13. Especially note vs.13 “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.” Look at that statement, “rooted up!” Any religious group that is not following the pattern is a group that needs to see their spiritual bed is too short and too narrow. Paul penned in Eph.4:4 as guided by the Holy Spirit that

there is One Body! Any other body or bed is too short; one should not find comfort in it. We need to be opposed to any and every man made church. Such is contrary to God’s will.

(iv)The Bed of Procrastination and Delay. This spiritual bed should be extremely uncomfortable and yet many lay in it. It appears many folks have this type of bed. However, it is too short and too narrow. God calls for immediate obedience and not delay. Too delay is to reject the comfort God can provide. Christ calls for man to come to Him for rest (Mt.11:28-30) The call is urgent (2 Cor.6:2) No time to delay and wait (Heb.3:12:15). Don’t stay in the word with all its empty promises, come to the Lord.

Question- What bed are you sleeping in? Any bed not of God is a bed too short and too narrow for your own comfort. Why not obey God and do that which is in harmony with His will?

Next ladies Bible class is June 1st at Ruth Bell’s house.