Reflection
“Whatever task lies in your hand, do it with might”
“Whatever task lies in your hand, do it with might”
[Ecclesiastes 9:10]
When my children were growing up we used to tell them that we didn’t mind in the least what they chose to do with their lives but we did say that whatever that might be we really wanted them to be the very best in the field they chose, whether that be refuse collector or Nobel physicist!
There is wrong ‘pride’ and right ‘pride’. The first is to do with the arrogance and boastings of man, the latter is something that should be evidenced in every Christian’s life. We are saved, spirit, soul & body and that “so great salvation” should be evidenced in all three realms. Regarding the realm of the ‘natural’ we should indeed take ‘pride’ in our work – that is, a care and diligence in all that we do. Whether our work be ‘skilled’ (so-called), ‘unskilled’, technical, manual or whatever – we should consistently evidence the diligence and patience that is ours by the Spirit of God dwelling in us. Jesus was a carpenter the Scripture tells us. In fact the Greek word is “tekton” which may equally be translated as ‘builder’ – interesting! I have no doubt whatsoever that Jesus’ ‘natural’ work was accomplished with all the same attributes that were evidenced in His spiritual work. And so should it be in us all.
One of my children is now an Assistant Professor teaching theology, another is working for a major charity, and the third is a senior youth worker. I am proud of them all!