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Here was the finished product:
Hello and good afternoon: This is Jonny English and you’ve tuned into Radio Free Costa Rica.
Tomorrow is the “Day of the Worker” (a.k.a Labor Day). Since many of you are still trying to understand what “work” really is, I thought I would share a reflection on the definition of work from a Biblical perspective:
“What is work?” Present that question to a cross-section of the population and you’ll probably receive a wide variety of answers. Unfortunately, within the context of contemporary culture it’s increasingly likely that many of these responses will be negative in tone. Many people use phrases such as “a bummer,” “what I have to do for money,” or “the only way to get to Friday” to describe their feelings about work. Even Christians sometimes reference the fall in the book of Genesis as support of their view that labor is nothing but a curse.
Far from being a curse, creative labor is a glorious privilege. It flows out of the heart of God Himself, who labored six days to bring the world into existence, stamped His inventive and energetic image upon mankind, and placed Adam in the garden to tend it, beautify it, and increase its productivity. The creativity of man, then, while subject to the effects of the fall, is nevertheless a mirror-image of the creativity of God. It is designed to be a source of joy so fulfilling and wonderful that the Lord deemed it necessary to give us the fourth commandment in order to insure that we would set our work aside and rest at least one day a week!
God has granted the stewardship of His material goods to owners; and these owners are in turn accountable to Him for the use of His “stuff” and responsible for the welfare and productivity of the workers who operate under their direction and authority. Within this sphere…wealth is generated that has the potential to meet the physical needs of mankind; and the responsibility for the compassionate use of this wealth, falls primarily upon the shoulders of those who are engaged in the field of Labor.
King Solomon writes:
Do you see any truly knowledgeable workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people. Prov 22:29 (NLT)
Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. Prov 12:14 (NLT)
Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. Prov 12:24 (NLT)
Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. Prov 13:4 (NLT)
Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Prov 14:23 (NLT)
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but quick shortcuts lead to poverty. Prov 21:5 (NLT)
Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work. Prov 21:25 (NLT)
The apostle Paul writes:
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
1 Tim 6:17-19 (NLT)
The Lord Jesus himself said:
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
Matt 6:19-20 (NLT)
And finally:
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matt 11:28-30 (NLT)
Once again this is Jonny English reflecting on the meaning of “work” and I wish you a safe and thoughtful holiday!
Tune in next time as we discuss the controversial rise of corporal punishment at private institutes of learning.
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NOTE: All Bible quotes taken from the New Living Translation. "What is Work" section taken from Focus on the Family's Truth Project.
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