He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:3a

Monday, October 8, 2012

Pulling Your Weight



             It seems work has become a dirty word with many of our young people.  Our society has given rise to creatures that spend endless hours in front of the TV, playing video games or surfing on the computer, on their iPad, or other technological instrument.  Even when a young couple is seen at a table in a restaurant, (or at the dinner table in private homes) it isn’t uncommon to see one or the other on their phone communicating (via text or chatting) with someone other than whom they are with!  

Young people seem to have their “own lives” now at a very tender age, and therefore feel they have no need to be productive with everyday responsibilities. When told to “pull their weight” they seem to think that means some form of exercise program and has nothing to do with doing their share of picking up after themselves or otherwise helping out around the house in which they live, eat, and sleep!  

It makes me wonder what kind of person they will become as adults.  Where is the initiative to be a better person, to do their part?  The sad thing is, when they make the decision to not help when there’s an obvious need, it’s a reflection of their character. They choose to not be productive, assuming someone else will take care of “it” (the work) and them and then as adults they teach that thought process to their children because it is what they live.  The cycle continues on and on until we are where our country stands now, with many cases of people who expect the government to take care of them.  They have become lazy and dependent on someone else.

The same is true with sharing our faith.  The pastor said yesterday that proximity equals responsibility.  We are commanded as Christians to share the Good News with those around us.  If we wait on the next person to do what we have been called to, then we miss the blessing.  This too, is a reflection of our character, our Christian character.  Does it not project that we don’t care enough to share with friends and neighbors.  Is this where our heart really is?  Aren’t we projecting their eternity is “not our problem?”  We too, need to be productive.  When we share the reason for our joy and uncommon peace, then we choose to be productive in our faith.

Whatever work we do, we should do it with our whole heart, because this is a demonstration of godliness that other people notice.  Immediate rewards are often hard to see and when we share our faith with those within our proximity, we may not witness immediate results.  It may take a very long time for someone to respond to the message. But if we choose to not be productive, and then rely on someone else to complete our work, we have the potential pass that mentality on to the next generation, and sadly, also lose our reward.

I hope everyone has a good week of effective work and a full heart!  

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

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