On Work

He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

Proverbs 12:9

Some of the proverbs are just plain practical.

One of the complaints we have all heard from employers who have positions to fill is how “nobody wants to work.” There is a sense of entitlement detectable when somebody without a steady job won’t take one because it “only pays” a certain wage.

The Bible not only reveals Christ to all but a way of living for the regenerate. That means working hard. The wisest man to live wrote under inspiration of the Holy Ghost: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” (Eccl. 9:10)

Think the progression through with me about Despised Joe, we’ll call him DJ for lacerated typing finger’s sake. DJ gets a job. DJ works that job with all of his might. He listens and follows instruction. He takes advantage of the training that is made available. He gets a promotion followed with more responsibilities, and climbs slowly but surely up the ladder. Years pile up and become decades. DJ’s persistence and hard work land him a job of great influence for the company… but in the larger picture… for Christ. His faith and progressively sanctified life bear witness to that. He is kind with his words, generous with his knowledge, and true to Christ’s character.

Despised Joe is an all around great guy unless you are Self-Righteous Dave, who at 26 and having spent 5 semesters in 2 colleges and worked at least 7 different jobs has way more worldly wisdom and better ideas than Despised Joe.

Despised Joe is better than Virtuous Dave.

-C.R.