Daily Devotional for Sunday, September 28

The Worker Wins

“The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious,” Proverbs 12:24, 27.

“Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” This little saying has been known for centuries, and some may even think it a Bible verse. Though the words are not a verse, the teaching that is gleaned from it is biblical. There are many Scriptures that tell you to be productive. In a past devotional, the example of the ant was used to look at them for an example of diligence.

In the New Testament, Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” Solomon warned there is no work in the grave, so while here, do your work with all of your might and strength (Ecclesiastes 9:10). In other words be productive!

Society has lost sight of being productive. While many do work and provide for themselves and their families, many do not. Man from the beginning has looked for ways to make the job easier. Let us consider a few inventions. The cotton gin, this little contraption separates the seed from the cotton which would otherwise be a painstaking job that took hours. The washing machine, before this invention all clothes were washed by hand. Now I am not saying these things are wrong, for I could not imagine my own life without a washing machine or dishwasher. But with each invention and with each younger generation, humans continue to try to get out of the hard work.

There is something to be said about hard physical work. It does build character. It does instill a sense of respect and responsibility in you. It gives you a feeling of accomplishment.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Remember God gave you the gift of work. When there is time, try not to take a short cut but rather be thankful for the things you are able to do.

Karry Irizarry