Monday: Work and Nurture
Vocation or work deals with the “doingness” of life. Even those with the most cerebral of jobs, end up in some way doing physical labor of some sort, even if it means merely pushing computer keys.
What do the following texts teach us about work – using “hands” as a symbol?
Image © Krieg Barrie at Goodsalt.com
God has given us “the work of our hands” so that we can find fulfillment and joy (see Prov: 10:4, Proverbs 12:14). In psychology, “self-efficacy” describes the belief that every person has the ability to accomplish something meaningful in life. Self-efficacy is not increased by repeating, “I think I can! I think I can!” Only actually doing something increases self-efficacy.
While “the work of our hands” is God’s blessing to us (see Ps: 90:17) and allows us to live a meaningful life, God’s ultimate plan is that “the work of our hands” would bless others. Paul writes that we must work, doing something useful with our hands, so that we may have something to share with others. Paul surely lived by that principle:
“You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ ” ( Acts 20.34-35, NIV).
Nehemiah’s simple prayer should be ours: “Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands” (Neh: 6:9).
| What is your attitude toward your work? What ways might you be able to use your work to be more of a blessing to others? |
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I am retired. For some people retirement means no longer working and while it is true that I no longer work for money, my days are fully occupied with activity of one kind or another. And given the perceived demographic of those who interact in this forum, it is quite possibly a subject that we should discuss.
Preparing for the "work" of retirement should be considered as important as preparing for your career. Given that in our society most people retire somewhere between 65 and 70, many of us around 20 years of life to look forward to after we retire. I deliberately chose to become active in the environment. it has been something that I have always been interested in, and I have the skills in photography and scientific observation to do something useful in that area. Further, being a social introvert, I find that I can spend a lot of time usefully occupied by myself. The other side of the coin is that I do interact with folk in a variety of ways and even take part in public meetings where environmental concerns are an issue. There are related activities as well. I have mentioned my involvement with the U3A movement, aimed at keeping older people active both physically and socially. This is a form of outreach into the community where we share and enjoy experiences together. I run bird photography and observation courses using the Avondale College walking tracks and typically I have half a dozen folk with me for a couple of hours every two weeks. And while the activity is centred on walking, observing, and photographing, the opportunities arise to share that love of Jesus in surprisingly simple ways.
For me, retirement has provided the opportunity to "work for the Lord" making friends for God. I would be interested in hearing other ideas about "retirement work" from those who have experienced it, and from those who are starting to think they need to plan for it.
" I would be interested in hearing other ideas about "retirement work" from those who have experienced it, and from those who are starting to think they need to plan for it."
I have been dedicating a good portion of my retirement time for the creation of pro-life videos which I mail to approximately 600 persons on my mailing list.
There have been several things I've done since leaving the routine. One of them was as a volunteer in a nearby hospital for some years. I developed a new 'routine' and was able to do something I've wanted to do for years...work in a hospital. Now THAT would be far from the art center, office, and story corner that I'd done for my entire career. I enjoyed those four hours a few times per week. Going from room to room, providing what they asked for and finding out what they wanted but did NOT ask for! Working with the staff, talking with the visitors and patients. My calling card was two flowers I drew on the bulletin board in each room that said, 'Get well...soon'. I had many opportunities to encourage and uplift people of all classes and religions. I also had many opportunities to feel very sad. There was one gentleman who would not recover. His disease had progressed beyond the abilities of the doctors. His story was told to me by one of the staff. He'd been diagnosed quite early, but according to his religion believed God would heal him, therefore he took no steps to treat the disease. Now, it was too late. Yet he was cheerful and faithful to his belief.
I surely cherish those years as a volunteer who was paid with one meal each day I came and a world of experiences.
I found the lesson writer’s reference of Ps.90:17KJV, and Neh.6:9KJV interesting. Looking into it, it helped me find out where the blessings come from that satisfies my heart with a ‘job well done’-experience; not surprising at all, I found that they refer back to last week’s lesson about the *Beauty of the LORD our God*.
Ps.90:17KJV reads: “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish THOU the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it.”
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I too am of retirement age but never felt that I was *’working’* when I was working, so I am not retired. I am still engaged in the work of a ‘home maker’ started as a mother and wife; for 40 years now my service includes to help the visitors to my state feel welcomed and comfortable. This is what I plan to do for the rest of my life unless my heavenly Father has other plans for me.
I found myself best placed in life as an employee and boss wrapped into one person. I greatly enjoy the ‘service’ aspect of work and know that God provides His Blessings according to His Will to all who seek to Honor Him with their work.
Paul brings up an interesting point in Acts 20:34-35, we should work in order that we can not only supply our own families needs but be able to supply the needs of others. How does that tie up with his instruction in Thessalonians below that those who won't work will not eat? What about Jesus in Mat 25:32-40 talking about looking after the needy? How do we balance these texts?
Good morning Shirley,
You bring up a valid point about the needy and I will take it one step further- the people who walk around major retail stores asking for help.
For years, I have felt conflicted and wanted to "help" them...but now I do not. There is evidence that these people are "pan-handlers" preying on the goodwill of others. I do help and choose to do it through organizations or personally when I feel lead by the Holy Spirit.
I look at Paul's admonition as the group of Church members who cut wood for those who are unable to, or hang a door, or fix the porch, or remodel a kitchen for the widow, invalid, or elderly. I believe your text in Matthew is the key to the balance of helping people. The connection between Paul in Acts and Paul speaking in 1Thess is to help without fostering them to be indolent.
I'm a retiree. My husband was alss so we worked together in our kitchen garden thereby helping others. My husband died 4 months ago. My children find we did enough so I'm not encouraged to continue my gardening but this is my joy.what can I do to overcome this situation?
It is easy for me from such a distance, even with similar circumstances, to advise you to continue your gardening, if only in little pots in the kitchen or on the porch. Joy is hard to find these days. Having had one loss, it would be sad to lose your joy. However, supplying and working in a roadside free market with your goods might be a bit much! 🙂
pray the Lord to guide you.and the strength HE gives you daily as you continue to live in this world that is not our home.
I work in the health field, either teaching or having my own practice. I do like what I do and always try to do my best for the patients. God has guided me into this field and I feel blessed to be able to help others!
This morning, I read Ps 24 several times and discovered it resonated as work ethic interconnected with service. My work on this earth, no matter how simple or complex, is a reflection of my desire to worship and serve the living God, my Creator, my Savior, my Friend. Clean hands and a pure heart are inextricably linked to relationships, integrity, faith, hope, love... and are reflected by my work ethic.
Interesting thought: Many of us are on our feet when we work. If it were not for the feet to take us where our hands can work we would not get the necessary work done. And then there are the legs that help us lift and the back that bears the weight.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
Habakkuk 3:19.
Yes work requires the body working in unison. Much like the perfect working church.
1Corinthians 12:12-31.
Interesting thought: Many of us are on our feet when we work. If it were not for the feet to take us where our hands can work we would not get the necessary work done. And then there are the legs that help us lift and the back that bears the weight.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
Habakkuk 3:19.
Yes work requires the body working in unison. Much like the perfect working church.
1Corinthians 12:12-31.
I am a retired teacher. I find it hard to limit the volunteer opportunities that one can be apart of with the various church ministries. I have to admit I was beginning to feel overwhelmed as I was involved in so many activities. Then the pandemic hit and I will have to say, I am enjoying the slower pace! It is important to take time for one's own spiritual needs.
pray the Lord to guide you.and the strength HE gives you daily as you continue to live in this world that is not our home.
I recently heard a discussion regarding retirement during a broadcast of “Money Wise” on Adventist radio. Commenting, the guest subject matter expert said, “God did not mean for us to retire to a life of leisure.” He went on to say that although many look forward to the relaxing activities such as golf, fishing, or doing nothing but sitting on the deck watching the day go by, there is work to be done in advancing the Kingdom. That the work related to this cause is what professing Christians should find to apply the gifts of time, money, and health. For my wife and me, we have found that since we retired five years ago, serving as leaders in our church’s Dorcas charitable projects has brought us purpose and joy and has been a blessing to us as well as to those in need that we serve. The need and the opportunities are all around us and not hard to find.
Your post touched my heart. I would encourage you in the Lord. May God grant you many more years of service.
The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. Prov 26:13
Work and Nurture
'What is your attitude toward your work? What ways might you be able to use your work to be more of a blessing to others?'
I like my jobs. I started working early in life and worked for lots of years and I am ready to retire. I cant retire now because I do not reach the age of retirement. I have some yrs still to go. But before we can work as humans, we are 1st given talent/s.
All humans are given 24hrs a day. Time to sleep and time to rise. Some sleep more than some for many reasons. In addition to time, the Lord gave us talents. Some 1, 2, 3, and more talents. The way we use our talents says a lot about humans. The bible goes into details about our talents and how we should/should not use them. Proverbs says go to the ant thou sluggard and consider her ways.
In working hard we not only support ourselves but we support others. When we return our tithe, offerings and gifts we support those in the church and those out of the church despite we are not sure if those people deserve it or not, but people never complain about that.
I was told in life there must be givers and takers. The Lord allows them to grow together similar to having the rich and the poor grow together. In so doing, the Lord wants to show us our own hearts. Sometimes I say if I had no children/families or anyone to support, or no tithe and offering and gifts to return I might have been a millionaire. Then I remember I might have gain the whole world and lose my soul.
Paul wrote what we and others must do, he also said he did not want to take anything from the members despite he was a Pastor/evangelist/preacher/disciple, he worked with his own hands making tents with others to support himself. Paul worked while preaching the gospel.
I retired from clinical research at a pharmaceutical company. Since then I became a licensed biology and chemistry teacher and volunteer as a high school teacher in a private nonsectarian school (can't work for no pay in a public school where I am). I am able to share my faith freely and have had many opportunities to do so.
Have taught since 2008 and consider it a most rewarding "retirement career!" God is indeed good!
I enjoy working; mostly I enjoy working for clients that pay. I have also given much to my community because I appreciate the sacrificial efforts of those who have gone before, paving the way to make my work easier and more effective.
Hustling is something I enjoy which usually results in my working hard. After retirement I spent most of my energy in service to my church, filling whatever need arouse. This last year was spent mostly in the easy chair because of medical issues, but I'm over the hump now and on the mend. I've moved to new church family over a thousand miles from my old church, but, with technology, it seems that I'm still fulfilling some of my roles no matter how far away I travel. However, on the trip over I had time to think things over, and came up with new resolutions. Working in the church is necessary, but so is working for the church. As a vehicle to touch more lives my new hustle is blackboard menu art. I got started with a $15 investment, and have already touched lives in a positive way. I thank God for his mercies, and for blessing me to be able to do this work to his honor and glory.
On retirement: this does not mean to stop working. The blessings of work continue even if there is no "time clock" involved. No sleeping in or leisure time to do "nothing", and more than enough to do both for both home and church activities(some of which COVID has interrupted). Work is life, no matter how simple or insignificant it might appear to most. If we have preserved our health, we can be very active for many years into "retirement".
Can anyone here think of a job/occupation that does not require the use of one's hands? What does this focus on the hands represent? Consider that our hands do what our minds direct them to do. Just as our "works" reveal faith or unbelief, our hands reveal whether we are diligent or careless. Whether our intentions are good or not.
Self-efficacy: is this a Biblical idea? Here are a few thoughts from scripture...
“Without Me you can do nothing”
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
“It is God who girds me with strengths, and makes my way perfect”
I guess I'm just really cautious about ideas that seem to run against the truth found in scripture. In this life we can be misled so quickly, which is why Jesus warns us to “Take heed lest any deceive you!” I've just not heard this term before and the dictionary definition made me respond as I have. Perhaps someone can show some value in this idea?
I can see this when applied to something one has worked towards, such as mastering a composition for a musical performance, or perhaps the requirements for a position of employment one has trained for, but for life in general? Wasn't Moses was far from this, while being one of the most brilliant minds and highly educated individuals this world has seen? Where does self-efficacy fit in with "meek and lowly of heart"? Or am I misunderstanding the term?
All the comments I read so far are individualized and cannot find a direct biblical support but am intrigued on how people adapt to the work available in their time. Work is as old as life itself as was pronounced by God after the fall, saying:"By the sweat of your brow (i.e. work) shall you live". This is part of the curse of sin, otherwise man is created to enjoy the fruit of God's work.