Someone in my family whose name shall remain anonymous once said, “But I’m not the kind of boy who likes to work.” Everyone laughed but he was being honest. I think if we all were as literally honest we would say the same thing. There aren’t too many people who really like to work.
However, God created us to work. He put Adam and Eve in the garden so they could work. He gave them what they needed but expected them to be diligent.
It’s a learned character trait, not one that comes naturally.
There’s even a verse in Proverbs that says “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Proverbs 25:28. That verse is talking about self-discipline—doing things whether we want to or not.
There is another verse I’ve known ever since I can remember that talks about having a good work ethic. It is this one: Ecclesiastes 9:10a “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. . . “
So, I try to be a diligent worker, even when I don’t like the task. I also try my best to always do things as well as I can. I don’t want to do a haphazard job because that goes against this verse and it isn’t pleasing to Jesus.
I’m having a bit of difficulty with this right now.
You may have noticed the last blog I posted was kind of a devotional like I said I was going to do. If you have Book 1 in the Double Cousins Mysteries you might have even noticed that it goes with the theme of the third chapter. So does this one, actually.
But I’m guessing you thought to yourself. . . where is Carly? Or Max? Or even Chad, Molly, or Dorie? I thought she was going to use those kids in her devotionals.
That certainly was my intent. However, that type of writing is much more complex and difficult for me. It is something I will have to practice a bit more and it will take time. And that is the problem.
You see, my husband and I are in transition right now. That means we are moving, packing, getting a house ready to sell, finishing my job and finding a new one, and Bruce is just starting his new job. Time is a premium. But I really am sad that I am not doing the task I started. I want to honor God. I believe I should do everything for His glory and as well as possible.
So, here is the bottom line. Max and Carly are going to have to wait. I will continue to work as I can on developing my abilities in that kind of writing and they will make their reappearance at the beginning of next year. Until then I’ll try my hand at these little devotional chats that are so much more my easy style of writing. You see, I know I can do these well. If the devotional chat blog entry goes with a chapter of the book I’ll include the chapter number. Thank you for your understanding. . . and remember—do all your work with all your might!
September 26, 2011 at 11:03 am |
Not long ago I heard Dr. Warren Wiersbe speaking about work. He said that hardly ever do we hear someone say, “Yeah, it is Monday and I can go to work!” But God sanctified work and created man to work, starting in the Garden of Eden. Of course, work is more difficult since the fall of man. But if God sanctified work, then I should have said, as I turned off the alarm this Monday morning, “Yippee! I get to go to work today!” I’m not quite there yet, but it could happen! Thanks for the second reminder!
September 27, 2011 at 5:09 pm |
I agree, Aunt Connie! I see this in patient’s who would LOVE to be up and working. . . they get the concept of the joy of work much better than some of us.
Hugs.
September 27, 2011 at 5:14 am |
This concept that you are talking about is something that I have especially learned from my Dad.
When he was asked to speak about rearing children, he pointed out that work should not be given to children as a punishment but as a reward! As they are able to do a certain task well, then they can graduate to a more difficult task. Work is something that God gave man to do before the fall and the curse of sin, as you mentioned, Miriam.
I don’t think you need to worry about not including Carly and Max and the other children in these devotional thoughts right now. You can always go back later (when you have the time and more practice) and add them into these devotionals that you are writing. At that point, most of the work will already be done for you!
September 27, 2011 at 5:08 pm |
What an awesome way of teaching children! Sounds like your Dad is much like my Daddy. We are blessed. Thanks for the encouragement and the idea to add to it later! I had not thought of that and it is such a wonderful PLAN!
September 28, 2011 at 1:57 am |
Yes, Miriam, we are very blessed! I am so glad that you like my idea and have a plan!