In the late ’60s I purchased an album by Chicago Transit Authority. They had a song on that album called Questions 67 & 68. There weren’t that many questions in the song so I had no clue why they named a song by that title. Thanks to the internet I recently found out that the song actually referred to the years 1967 and 1968. Of course if you follow the name change and their next album, they never did learn the answer because a year or so later they asked another question: “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” 🙂
I start a new series this Sunday called Q & A. They are questions people have asked or are asking and I hope to give Biblical answers to those questions. The first in line is one tied to this weekend’s holiday. I thought I would try to answer the question “What about Work?” I think it is a fair question to ask, especially since the whole virus mess has caused many to take stock of why they do what they do.
Speaking for myself: I love doing what I do. I love my job. I love the people I work with on a daily basis. However, I am also aware my job is different from many. I work for the Lord as the pastor of the church so I don’t face the daily influences many of you do. But I still feel there is common ground we can stand on. There is another issue we all face. Many today find it more convenient to stay home and collect than to work. There are cases where that is good, but tragically we face a scourge of laziness to just stay home and not work. There is a difference between will not work and cannot work.
My purpose this week is to show how work has been given to us by God as far back as Genesis and there is value found in working. I’d appreciate your prayers for me and for those who listen. Meanwhile, have an enjoyable Labor Day holiday.
There is value and dignity in honest work, Bill. I will look forward to the service on Sunday!
Blessings and prayers!
Thanks for the comment Martha. I will look forward to hearing your thoughts as well.
I loved to work when I was working… many many moons ago. I enjoyed the interaction with the customers Even my final job as a graphic artist was fun, although I was afraid they weren’t going to pay me a full 40 hour week due to ownership problems. Unfortunately things changed and I had to declare disability (it’s so dangerous driving and falling asleep at the wheel!) But if I could make money on the side today, I would jump definitely on it.
Yeah for sure Ed. Driving and sleeping don’t work well together. I hope you are doing well though. Look into part time work from home since that is all the rage right now.
Hi Bill,
It sounds like a fun new sermon series. Are people posting questions anonymously to you for the series? We do something like that in youth ministry called Open Forum, and the students love it.
I have enjoyed puzzling through the concept of work and calling and vocation. Holly Gerth’s book “God-Sized Dreams” and Emily P. Freeman’s “A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art you were born to live” have both been instrumental for me.
How are you and your family?
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Hi Jennifer! It is good to hear from you again. Hope you and your clan are doing well. I have asked people to post questions but no one had or has so I am taking questions I have been asked over the years. I did make a change. I had one on What about the Unborn? and two on What about SSA? but decided to scrap those for now. I don’t want them to be politicized since they are moral issues but also our youth program restarts on the last of this month and I don’t want the parents to come for the first time and be hit with three tough subjects. So I am going to take them at a later time. I have heard of Holly’s book but not Emily’s. I’ll have to check them out. As for me and Jo, we are doing well. God has protected us through this whole mess with good health. Thanks for asking. I’ll check out your blog again. I had lost touch.
I have slowed down a lot in the last couple of years. Ace on the other hand just keeps going. He is enjoying working on this little house for us up in Mn. He would rather work with his hands then his mind.
I sound a bit like Ace. Although I am not handy with tools, etc I do like to stay busy.