The Bethlen Home Messenger, The Messenger, 2003 (1-5. szám)
2003-09-01 / 4. szám
Címplatn’ő Corner by Rev. Dr. Joseph Posta FOR: LABOR DAY Read. EXODUS. 20: 8-11. and II. THESSALONIANS 3: 6-13. Work honors God. The thief lives by the labor of others, but the Christian is to live by his/her own labor. Honest labor, an occupation in a worthy calling, is a part of the Christian life. This honors God. Our labor is not to be regarded for our own good only, but that there may be a means for doing good to others. Our labor becomes a part of our Christian ministry. The Christian work should be a labor of love. Then one will be able to express integrity of character through his/her work. The work of the believer should be done “as the Lord”. In so doing, one is able to express the values and virtues of Christ in his/her work, and the result of this will be to honor God. Scripture teaches that believers should do all for the glory of God. The glory of God has to do with God’s reputation. The work of a Christian reflects the reputation of God. The work of Christians should be honest, thorough and dependable in order that it may truly bring honor to God. Failure to work brings God’s judgements. Some believers in Thessalonica thought Christ would soon return, and they wanted the rich to share their riches so that they would not have to work. This brings swift judgement. The disorderly brother is pictured as a soldier who is out of line, who leaves his proper place in the ranks and is insubordinate. The command is give in v. 6 to correct this action. The purpose of this command from Christ is to make the disorderly brother ashamed so that he will forsake his wrong action. V. 10 states judgment upon the non-worker. If one fails to work, do not let him eat. Surely those who were unable to work were entitled to support and help all the time. Indeed there is virtue in honest work. Work has its origin in God. God commands that we work. Man is made in God’s image and is capable of productive, creative and useful work. This will enable man to have his/her needs met and also remove idleness from his/her life. (Helen Keller writes): “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.”) “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your soul. Matt. 11: 28-29. PRAYER: O God our Father, bless all those whose task it is to serve the residents of our Bethlen Home, the community, and the world. Bless those who have in their hearts a passion for social justice; those who cannot be content as long as some have too little and some have too much; those who labor that men and women may receive a just reward for their work and a good home in which to live; those whose care it is that the workless and the destitute, the homeless and the outcast, and the poor and the needy should be remembered. Bless those whose service of the community is unseen and who are taken for granted. Help them to see their own importance in the scheme of things, and help others not to forget the work of those who serve. O God, who art the master of all good workmen, grant unto all men and women joy and diligence in their working and the consciousness that in serving their fellowmen they are serving Thee. Bless all the workers here at The Bethlen Home. AMEN. CLOTHING WAGON DUE IN NOVEMBER The Wardrobe Wagon will be at The Bethlen Home on Wednesday, November 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Dining Room. They will feature their Fall and Winter clothing line. The clothing wagon features regular clothing for both men and women along with specialized clothing for the nursing home resident. Families are encouraged to attend and bring their loved one. Activity Staff and Volunteers will also be available to help make your shopping experience a pleasant one. Anyone having any questions can contact the Activity Department at 724-238-6711 ext. 31.
