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1 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.

2 Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.

3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

4 Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

 

In our world today of AI, of remote-controlled everything, of climate-controlled lives, of self-driving cars, etc., what does a work ethic even look like? For many of us who are not physical laborers, we have to do “extra” work or work out to experience the satisfaction of physical fatigue.

 

I worked in the little town of Vandalia, MO for about 10 years. I made the observation that there were two kinds of people there: those who wouldn’t stop working and those who wouldn’t start. One of my favorite sayings is from an old song: “Work your fingers to the bone and whadda ya get?? Bony fingers!” (Hoyt Axton). The buzz phrase for my children’s generation seems to be “you’ve got to find your work-life balance!”

 

Indeed, striking a midpoint is difficult. Life goals are good things to have. Progress can bring some peace. Phil 4: 10 – 15, is our primary scripture for today. The gist is this: Paul is sharing that he knows what it is like to live in times of excess and he knows what is like to live in times of deprivation. Whether living in times of plenty or times of want, he knows the secret to contentment. He can do all things through Christ who strengthens him.

 

Here’s what I think could be a possible lesson from these two scriptures today. We can be content without being complacent. We can assess our situations and strive for improvements, but we must always remember that in success and in struggles, we are enough, as is, because we are covered by the blood of Christ.

 

Dear Jesus, as we run the race that is this life, please give us the strength to grow in the ways that draw us and others closer to you. Thank you, that even in days of being stagnant and or worse yet, in days of regression, you love us and we are enough. We know the secret of contentedness. Thank you that we can rely on you at all times.

 

Juli Hampton

Ham10five@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: For those who suffer from chronic pain and illness