Do you love your job? I admit I don’t always love it, but for the most part, I am truly blessed in my work. This session’s title says a lot: we were created to create. I didn’t fully grasp the idea of that until I took this tour. It is the cosmic battle that has taken this sphere and turned it into something boring, ugly, utilitarian and negative. God’s intent is much different.
Dr. Tackett outlined seven economic principles in this tour on Labor. First of all, all things belong to God. I am learning this same principle in the Crown Financial Bible Study. Don’t you love it when God orchestrates your exposure to a certain lesson through various sources? I figure I really needed to learn this principle. Now that I’ve memorized 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 with the Crown study, I am praying that I never forget it.
Second, God has given us the privilege of being a creative steward over His creation with “ownership” rights. This means that we have management authority over God’s property. WOW! And we are accountable to God regarding how we manage His resources. We should not take this responsibility lightly.
Third, theft and covetousness is wrong. Okay, you may think this is a no-brainer. But, have you ever copied a CD rather than buying it? I have. In fact, I’m in the process of cleaning up my ipod right now. With regard to covetousness, do you envy other classes of people? God’s Word teaches us to be content in all circumstances. I need to work on this one, too.
Fourth, God gave us the abilities that we have to make a living. Have you ever considered that? Did the Lord give you an aptitude for numbers or language or deduction or analysis? Did He create you with a gift for artistry? Or do you have a talent for making music or singing? Are you incredibly organized? These abilities and more come straight from God.
Fifth, work is profitable and to be pursued. We are commanded not to be lazy. Maybe you have read Paul’s admonition in 2 Thessalonians: if a man will not work, he will not eat. Tough teaching, but an honorable practice. Even in the old testament, work was valuable. Handouts weren’t given, but the fields were left with some gleanings for the poor to gather for themselves. Maybe this reminds you of the book of Ruth. Work is good for us. If you’ve ever been out of work for a time, you might remember the feeling of finally bringing home a paycheck. Or maybe you remember the first job where you earned money and the sense of accomplishment you had.
Sixth, love God and not the goods. Our true treasure is in heaven. The gems of our lives relate to the people we touch. It’s not about stuff. The winner is not the guy who dies with the most toys, no matter what that bumper sticker says.
Finally, we are called to be compassionate and generous with our goods to those in need. The Labor sphere has primary responsibility for the poor. Is it a surprise to you that this responsibility doesn’t fall within the State sphere? Through our work, we have gleanings where we can give the poor the privilege to work instead of a handout!
Dr. Tackett also talked about the creative arts and media. One thing he said that stuck with me is that beauty is NOT in the eye of the beholder. If it were, evil would be considered beautiful because some of those beholders are evil-hearted. So, what is the standard for beauty? My thought is that we should use Philippians 4:8 as a measuring rod: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy. Don’t look upon a vile thing. Gaze upon the face of God! Do your labor for His glory alone. Hallelujah!
Dr. Tackett outlined seven economic principles in this tour on Labor. First of all, all things belong to God. I am learning this same principle in the Crown Financial Bible Study. Don’t you love it when God orchestrates your exposure to a certain lesson through various sources? I figure I really needed to learn this principle. Now that I’ve memorized 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 with the Crown study, I am praying that I never forget it.
Second, God has given us the privilege of being a creative steward over His creation with “ownership” rights. This means that we have management authority over God’s property. WOW! And we are accountable to God regarding how we manage His resources. We should not take this responsibility lightly.
Third, theft and covetousness is wrong. Okay, you may think this is a no-brainer. But, have you ever copied a CD rather than buying it? I have. In fact, I’m in the process of cleaning up my ipod right now. With regard to covetousness, do you envy other classes of people? God’s Word teaches us to be content in all circumstances. I need to work on this one, too.
Fourth, God gave us the abilities that we have to make a living. Have you ever considered that? Did the Lord give you an aptitude for numbers or language or deduction or analysis? Did He create you with a gift for artistry? Or do you have a talent for making music or singing? Are you incredibly organized? These abilities and more come straight from God.
Fifth, work is profitable and to be pursued. We are commanded not to be lazy. Maybe you have read Paul’s admonition in 2 Thessalonians: if a man will not work, he will not eat. Tough teaching, but an honorable practice. Even in the old testament, work was valuable. Handouts weren’t given, but the fields were left with some gleanings for the poor to gather for themselves. Maybe this reminds you of the book of Ruth. Work is good for us. If you’ve ever been out of work for a time, you might remember the feeling of finally bringing home a paycheck. Or maybe you remember the first job where you earned money and the sense of accomplishment you had.
Sixth, love God and not the goods. Our true treasure is in heaven. The gems of our lives relate to the people we touch. It’s not about stuff. The winner is not the guy who dies with the most toys, no matter what that bumper sticker says.
Finally, we are called to be compassionate and generous with our goods to those in need. The Labor sphere has primary responsibility for the poor. Is it a surprise to you that this responsibility doesn’t fall within the State sphere? Through our work, we have gleanings where we can give the poor the privilege to work instead of a handout!
Dr. Tackett also talked about the creative arts and media. One thing he said that stuck with me is that beauty is NOT in the eye of the beholder. If it were, evil would be considered beautiful because some of those beholders are evil-hearted. So, what is the standard for beauty? My thought is that we should use Philippians 4:8 as a measuring rod: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy. Don’t look upon a vile thing. Gaze upon the face of God! Do your labor for His glory alone. Hallelujah!
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