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The Benefit of Work
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.”
Leviticus 19:9–10
Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His father William was president of General Motors, and one of the most respected and successful businessmen in the country. When he was old enough to drive, Bunkie asked his father for a car. He got one—in pieces. Bunkie’s father wanted him to appreciate the vehicle, so Bunkie was responsible for putting his own car together. There was help available if he needed it, but he had to do the work himself to enjoy the result.
There is a human tendency to avoid work if at all possible, but it leads to danger and ruin. There is great value in work, for it teaches us the character and discipline we need in both the spiritual and physical realms. When God gave instructions for the provision for the poor in the land of Israel, He did not command those who had resources to give to them directly. Rather they were to leave food in the field, where the poor would be allowed to come and gather it.
In the church at Thessalonica, there were some who were freeloading on others and wanted to be supported and have their needs meet. Paul responded, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Work is good for us, and it is the means which God has provided for our physical needs to be met. Rather than dreading it, we should be grateful we are able to work.
Leviticus 19:9–10
Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His father William was president of General Motors, and one of the most respected and successful businessmen in the country. When he was old enough to drive, Bunkie asked his father for a car. He got one—in pieces. Bunkie’s father wanted him to appreciate the vehicle, so Bunkie was responsible for putting his own car together. There was help available if he needed it, but he had to do the work himself to enjoy the result.
There is a human tendency to avoid work if at all possible, but it leads to danger and ruin. There is great value in work, for it teaches us the character and discipline we need in both the spiritual and physical realms. When God gave instructions for the provision for the poor in the land of Israel, He did not command those who had resources to give to them directly. Rather they were to leave food in the field, where the poor would be allowed to come and gather it.
In the church at Thessalonica, there were some who were freeloading on others and wanted to be supported and have their needs meet. Paul responded, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Work is good for us, and it is the means which God has provided for our physical needs to be met. Rather than dreading it, we should be grateful we are able to work.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Those who do not value work enough to be diligent at their tasks will not accomplish something meaningful for the glory of God.
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