No More Work

Bible Reading: 1 THESSALONIANS 4:11-12; 1 PETER 2:12

“See the world! Travel! Learn a special skill!” urged the announcer on TV. “All you need to do is join the Navy.”

“Wow!” said Jude, watching a jet take off from an aircraft carrier on the screen. “That looks like something I’d like to do someday. No more homework, no bed to make, no reports to do for school, no chores, no piano practice, no—” Suddenly he stopped. “Dad, you were in the Navy, weren’t you? Was it really as exciting as it sounds on TV?”

“Well, I did get to travel and see several different countries,” replied Dad, “but not everything we did was exciting. It was hard work! Getting in shape and learning the basics in boot camp was grueling. I even had to make my own bed, and the inspections we had make your mother’s inspections look like nothing. After that, I learned about electronics, but that required lots of homework, reading, and on-the-job practice.”

“Maybe I wouldn’t like the Navy after all,” said Jude. “It sounds like too much work.”

“It was a lot of work, but the Navy was a good experience for me,” said Dad. “God used it to prepare me for the work I do today.”

Jude looked doubtful. “What you did in the Navy doesn’t sound very much like what they show on TV.”

Dad chuckled. “Those who write ads know that people dream of the easy life—little work and lots of fun—so that’s what they use to attract attention. But that’s not how life should be—especially not for Christians. We do need time to relax and have fun, but Jesus gives us work to do in our lives to help us grow and share His love with others.”

“But a lot of the work I have now, like chores and schoolwork and piano practice, doesn’t seem all that important,” said Jude.

“That ad shows only a small part of Navy life, and right now you see only a small part of your life, Jude. But the work God’s given you to do now will prepare you for things He wants you to do in the future. Trust Him to help you do the work He gives you and use it for good.” JORLYN A. GRASSER

How About You?

Do you take your work seriously? Or do you try to do as little work as possible? Doing schoolwork or practicing an instrument may not always be fun, but God has given you those tasks for a reason. He will use the work you do—even little things that don’t seem important or exciting—for a good purpose. Trust Him to help you be diligent in the things He’s given you to do.

Today’s Key Verse:
TITUS 3:14 OUR PEOPLE MUST LEARN TO DEVOTE THEMSELVES TO DOING WHAT IS GOOD, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR URGENT NEEDS AND NOT LIVE UNPRODUCTIVE LIVES. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Do the work God gives you