Devotionals

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Proverbs 25:13
(excerpt from Morning Meditations by Martin Wiles)
Proverbs 25:13 Faithful messengers are as refreshing as snow in…summer. They revive the spirit of their employer. (NLT)
His name was Billy, and he seemed to get ahead in spite of his tendency to be behind. Soon after graduation, I began working with a metal fabrication plant. It was here I met Billy.
Our day started at seven a.m., but not for Billy. His day started fifteen or thirty minutes later or at whatever time he finally showed up. On occasion the boss had to wake him up so he could come to work. Even when late, Billy strolled in as if on time-smiling and drinking coffee.
What puzzled me was Billy’s ability to do this without consequence. Perhaps it was because he was a likable fellow and a good worker-when he worked. But Billy’s laziness put more work on others, and this kept us aggravated with him.
The word messenger could be translated employee. In a time when mail service, email, twitter, texting and internet weren’t available, dependable messengers (employers) were important, especially when messages required responses or contained delicate information.
Similar direction is given to slaves. They should obey their masters. (Colossians 3:22, Ephesians 6:5, I Peter 2:18) Most scholars apply these instructions to employees.
There should be no separation of spiritual and secular in employment as it is with church and state. The spiritual aspects of our life should be incorporated into our place of employment so we can be examples and influencers.
When working for another, certain traits are important and expected by God. Responsibility. Do I fulfill requirements I’m paid for? Can my boss depend on me even if he’s not there? Punctuality. Am I on time? Do I unnecessarily lay out? Honesty. Do I engage in underhanded practices to get ahead? Do I brown nose? Diligence. Do I give less than my best? Do I slack off because I don’t feel I’m paid enough?
By the way, when the time came for one person to be laid off, Billy was the one instead of the short timer-me. Diligent work, sprinkled with godly traits, is always rewarded-now and later.
Prayer: Father, help my work traits reflect who I am in You.

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