1 Thessalonians 4:10b-12
Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make
it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and
work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life
may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on
anybody.
My dad shared his wisdom through actions more than
his words. He taught my siblings and me to be responsible and have a solid
work ethic. How did he do that? He set the standard by working hard himself. By
trade he was a welder. But he was also a man who could fix most anything. I
remember when Tim and I purchased a house that needed a lot of fixing, I came
home from work and found him and my daughter, Hannah, on the roof repairing the
shingles. He was in his seventies. After I finished freaking out a little, he
assured me he was fine and not to worry. He went back to his work and patched
up the roof.
I'm thankful I learned to work hard. Both Dad and
Mom taught us to be responsible and respectful. Not just in our daily labor,
but in the work we do for Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 4 is one of my favorite passages.
I've been a crafter for years, and I work on the computer every day. So I've
literally worked with my hands my whole life. In leading a quiet life, I hope
I've blessed others as I've labored for Jesus. In Thessalonians, Paul is
telling the people not to rest on their laurels, but to continue in their daily
work and their efforts for the Lord. I pray we can instill responsibility and
respect in younger folks, so that they will learn the value of hard work, both
in their jobs and in loving Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know
that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
