I heard an interesting conversation on DOWNTON ABBEY. The new heir, a distant cousin from the city who is not used to being waited on, talks to Lord Grantham, suggesting he does not need servants.
“Perhaps not. But would you take from a man the dignity of his work? Would you cast the cooks and the maids out into the street? Would you tell the valet and the chauffer that their contribution is no longer needed, that they have become superfluous?” (Paraphrased.)
After that, Matthew accepts the servants’ help because he understands they need the dignity of work. People need to be busy, to be challenged, and to believe what they are doing matters.
God knows our need for work and gives us important tasks. There are times when our work is essential. We ABSOLUTELY needed all the help we could get mucking out my parents’ house after the pipes burst and flooded her carpets. I am thrilled that all four of us were available and able to serve them in that way. We made a HUGE difference!
I’ve been reading about the Tabernacle in Exodus 26. The woodwork alone, using hand tools, must have taken months. God could have spoken it into existence instantly. But instead, He gives work to His people. (And work is NOT a punishment—Adam had work in the Garden BEFORE he sinned.) God is kind and generous—He gives us down time and rest, and one day in seven in which we are to do no work. But the work He provides gives us dignity, challenge, and a sense of accomplishment. For example, last night we somehow broke the hydraulic spring that hold Grandpa’s glass front door open. But I fiddled with it, found all the missing parts, and managed to fix it. Figuring it out made me feel great.
Thank God for the amazing gift of work—whether paid employment, academic work, or hobbies. God is glorified by all. Ask Him for a strong work ethic, and a sense of calling to those things He DESIGNED you to do.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 