Monday; June 22

Most of us are aware of the value of work.  Those of us who are somewhat older may have had a different “work ethic” than our younger co-workers, but I think that we would all agree that we have a responsibility to have a job and do it well.  Interestingly, the other day as I was researching a spiritual view of work, I came across something eye-opening, “He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.” (Ephesians 4:28).  The first part of the verse probably doesn’t need much explaining – most of us are familiar with the evil of stealing, but it was the rationale that interested me.  We are told that we should get a job – not just to take care of ourselves, but also to help our neighbor who is in need.  I am well aware of the noble concept of helping others, but I don’t know that I had ever thought just how much of a core value it was.  We should work so that we can help others.

I don’t know of many people who always love their jobs, but when we are having one of those days when we are wondering if it is worth it, maybe we should look out into the community and see those who rely on us doing our jobs.  It’s fulfilling to be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor, but it may be even more vital to recognize that others benefit from our work ethic as well.

Think About It!


Popular posts from this blog

Wednesday; July 16

It is hard to watch what is going on in Texas right now.  With the number of confirmed dead and scores more unaccounted for, our hearts hurt with all the pain and devastation.  In an effort to wrap our heads around something as horrific as this, we try to come to grips with what is going on.  Are we in the end times?  Is the Lord trying to teach us something?  While it is natural to try to make logical sense out of what is going on, I believe one of the comforting things we can do is understand this isn’t unusual for life on earth.  Now hear me out, if you have lost someone in this tragedy (or any tragedy), I am not trying to diminish your pain and anguish.  However, what I am trying to say is that life on earth is fraught with danger.  It doesn’t take much of a review of history to see this.  On this day in 1981, 114 people killed in the collapse of the skyway of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City.  About this time of year in 1972 H...
Read more

Wednesday; January 11

What makes a good Christian? I don’t have enough time or space to deal with this question in one sitting, but there are a few qualities that come to mind when I read that question. Among the answers that come to mind are a commitment to godly values, a willingness to stand up for spiritual principles and maybe even a willingness to endure persecution to promote evangelism. While these might be some defining concepts, there is something else that is important – a desire for Christian unity. The early churches were taught, “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3). The willingness to stand up for Christianity is important, but so is the desire to work together for the cause of Christ. Being strong in our faith is nece...
Read more

Friday; August 8

There are times I read some of my thoughts and I wonder if people think that I have lost touch with reality.   I am a big believer in trying to talk as much as possible about things like love, peace, hope, unity and optimism.   There are times I look back over what I wrote and I ask myself, “Am I trying to convince me or you?”.   Am I writing about these topics because I believe in them or just because I want to believe they are possible?   The other day, I came across a statement made by the Apostle Paul in one of his letters in which he wrote, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.” (Philippians 3:1).   As I reflected on this passage, I got to wondering if Paul may have been catching some flack over his message of hope and joy.   In the book of Philippians, he continually encourages his readers to rejoice or find joy in the lives they are living.   ...
Read more