Now Hiring!
Be Strong, Be Well — Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Everywhere we go, we see “Now Hiring” signs. – not only on the doors of businesses, but large signs by the roadway, banners in parking lots, billboards, and expensive television ads, all begging people to work. Some pay large sums of money just for an interview, and more for signing on for the job.
This situation has caused a national crisis. Due to the employee shortage, businesses have cut back on their hours of operation. Some have posted signs on their doors informing customers to expect longer wait times before being served. It’s an incredible thing.
Most grow up with the desire to be independent, find a job (or better yet, a profession) to support themselves and their families. At least, this is how it has always been. This is biblical.
“But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load” (Galatians 6:4–5).
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).
Our labor problem is our government’s doing. They have been paying people unemployment benefits, crushing the incentive to get out and work. Despite the tremendous number of jobs available in every sector, just this last week, there was an uptick in the number of applications for unemployment.
The Bible has plenty to say about the work ethic. “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28).
“He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding” (Proverbs 12:11). And again, “The soul of a lazy man desires and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Proverbs 13:4).
People need to wake up, get some motivation and determination, and be productive citizens of society. Lou Holtz, the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games, has said, “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
Regardless of the work, we choose to do—choose it, and do it. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” (Ecclesiastes 9:10a). “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24).
“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17). —Chris