Dignity of Labor
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more grace, more stern discipline of character, to work for God in
the capacity of mechanic, merchant, lawyer, or farmer, carrying the
precepts of Christianity into the ordinary business of life, than to labor
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as an acknowledged missionary in the open field. It requires a strong
spiritual nerve to bring religion into the workshop and the business
office, sanctifying the details of everyday life, and ordering every
transaction according to the standard of God’s word. But this is what
the Lord requires.
The apostle Paul regarded idleness as a sin. He learned the trade of
tent-making in its higher and lower branches, and during his ministry
he often worked at this trade to support himself and others. Paul did
not regard as lost the time thus spent. As he worked, the apostle had
access to a class of people whom he could not otherwise have reached.
He showed his associates that skill in the common arts is a gift from
God. He taught that even in everyday toil God is to be honored. His
toil-hardened hands detracted nothing from the force of his pathetic
appeals as a Christian minister.
God designs that all shall be workers. The toiling beast of burden
answers the purpose of its creation better than does the indolent man.
God is a constant worker. The angels are workers; they are ministers
of God to the children of men. Those who look forward to a heaven of
inactivity will be disappointed; for the economy of heaven provides no
place for the gratification of indolence. But to the weary and heavy-
laden rest is promised. It is the faithful servant who will be welcomed
from his labors to the joy of his Lord. He will lay off his armor
with rejoicing, and will forget the noise of battle in the glorious rest
prepared for those who conquer through the cross of Christ.—
Counsels
to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 274-280
.
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