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How does God's Word speak to the 21st century work culture?
In "God's Word for Today" Gordon Snider writes:
Among the many things that have changed in my life-time is the employment picture in the USA. It used to be that a person spent an entire working career with one employer. The employee felt a certain amount of loyalty to the employer, and the employer felt a certain amount of responsibility for the needs of the employee, either because the employer had a generous heart, or because he was under contractual constraints with a union. Today, long-term commitment in the marketplace seems largely a thing of the past. And the resulting “dog eat dog” atmosphere makes it even more difficult for the employee to work “as unto the Lord.” It is important to remember that the biblical principles concerning master/servant weren't written under ideal conditions either. By almost any standards slavery is far worse than today's selfish employment theater, but whatever the social conditions of the day, the principles of God's Word remain the same. Be careful! Thoughtful attention to today's lesson may require an attitude change when you head to work tomorrow!
Source: Building Christian Relationships: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 22.
What's so wrong with being a "menspleaser"?
In "Word Focus" Glenn McClure writes:
Although one should serve to bring honor to God, there are many who are only rendering eye-service. This word “denotes service performed only under the master's eye . . . diligently performed when he is looking, but neglected in his absence” (W. E. Vine). Service that is rendered only when the master's eye is fixed on the worker stands as a reproach before fellow-workers, especially if that one is a Christian. This problem has always existed, especially if the service is of an involuntary nature. Faithfulness to perform only when under observation is a disgrace. One should be bound to perform his work with such faithfulness, not only because he is being watched by man, but because he is always being watched by God. Also, many perform so as to be menpleasers. This Greek word signifies a striving to please men. It designates “not simply one who is pleasing to men . . . but one who endeavors to please men and not God” (H. Cremer, Biblico-Theological Lexicon of N.T. Greek). The object of the Christian worker is not to please men but to please and honor God. If service is rendered with this attitude, the service itself will stand as a testimony to the worker's religion.
Source: Building Christian Relationships: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 22.
When Wealth Destroys
Read Luke 18:18-30
“Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me” (v. 22).
Money, money, money; what a blessing you can be and yet what a curse you often become instead! In 1997, a man won the Texas Lottery Lotto jackpot of $31 million. He quit his job and spent money. In just twenty months he was broke, put a shotgun to his chest, and pulled the trigger. Most of us won't ever have this much money, but what we do have can be just as big a curse. The rich ruler forfeited the privilege to walk with Jesus for mere earthly riches. How foolish! There is nothing wrong with being a good business person and making a lot of money. God's kingdom needs a lot more financing than it has. But if riches become our idol, it would be better to sell all we have and give the proceeds away so that we could follow the Master with all of our hearts. (LWG)
I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand. — Oscar C. A. Bernadotte
No money or other earthly possessions are worth anything in comparison to Jesus!
This devotional is the Tuesday, March 21, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Interview
Interviews are used extensively in our society, from the company looking to hire a new employee, to the talk show host looking to educate his audience on a specific topic, to the comedian on the late show seeking to draw an audience with a big-name personality and laughs.
With some advance planning, an interview as part of your lesson could add a unique dynamic. In fact, you might be able to find suitable candidates within your congregation. Or, you could use this as an opportunity for outreach. For example, you could interview a Christian financial counselor when teaching a lesson on money (Lesson 5). You could ask the neighborhood watch captain to speak to your class about how the church can be a positive influence in its community (Lesson 12). Or, consider inviting your mayor, a councilman, or state representative for lessons on Christians and the government (Lesson 13).
Christians and Their Employment
Lesson 4 - March 26, 2017
focus text: Ephesians 6:5-9; 1 Peter 2:18-25
Central Truth: We should work in our jobs as though Christ were our boss.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify at least one new way they can be a better employee or worker.
Lesson Outline:
- A Diligent Devotion (Ephesians 6:5-9)
- A Proper Service (1 Peter 2:18-20)
- A Perfect Example (1 Peter 2:21-25)