Words To Live By: Week 3

Okay, it's time to clock in folks!  This week's theme is all about work and that can mean so many different things.  

Work is one of those interesting umbrella terms.  It could be as vivid as Dolly Parton sang about climbing the ladder on a 9 to 5.  Or as fabulous as a supermodel strutting down a runway to an old school RuPaul remix (sashay, shante).  Or it could be as compassionate as an ER nurse working to treat and soothe an accident victim.  Work also is tending to a home garden, taking care of friends and family, maybe getting used to a new wheelchair for some people, maybe even taking time to focus on our own well being.  That's all work.

God built us this way.  He instilled each of us with unique skills, talents, and abilities.  That is a huge part of what makes us, us.  That's quite a blessing.  And while those aspects are glorious and different as individuals, we often find ways to come together to work towards common goals.    

As an ice breaker, pick a talent or ability you have and discuss how you use that in a work sense.  How has that impacted your circle of friends or influence?

Opening Prayer

Lord, You said that when two or three are gathered in Your name, You are there in the midst of them.  We ask to feel Your presence, Lord, and that You bless our time together.  Please help us to speak gently, listen well, and to be kind to one another.  In Your name we pray, Amen.  

Of course we have Proverbs to read this week.  Keep an open mind.  The words may sound harsh in parts, but through discussion, different lessons can be learned.  

The Head

Proverbs 12:11 - Those who work their land will have plenty to eat, but those who engage in empty pursuits have no sense.

Proverbs 13:4 - The lazy have strong desires but receive nothing; the appetite of the diligent is satisfied.

Proverbs 13:11 - Riches gotten quickly will dwindle, but those who acquire them gradually become wealthy.

Proverbs 14:23 - There is profit in hard work, but mere talk leads to poverty.

Proverbs 16.8 - Better a little with righteousness than great profits without justice.

1.  There seems to be a general underlying theme of "investment" in all the verses above.  If you think about these verses in terms of investment, what stands out most?  Why do you think that matters?

2.  In Proverbs 12:11, the verse says "those who engage in empty pursuits have no sense."  What does "empty pursuits" mean to you? Share an example of an empty pursuit you’ve engaged or with which you are familiar.

3.  If you boil down each verse to a few words, it may look like this:  stay focused, be steady, be patient, work purposefully, and be faithful. What words would you use? What was that exercise like for you?

The Heart    

As you may remember, the creation story told in the first chapter of Genesis begins with work.  The story, from a human perspective, is told in a progressive way to highlight how things came to be.  It also highlights God's creation of humanity and quickly notes the work assigned to each.  It's a rhythmic pattern that focuses on purpose and intent.  

Similarly, throughout the Bible, there is a recurring theme of work, which is sometimes one’s purpose, in almost every individual mentioned.  Noah trusted God, Ruth cared for her Mother, David tended sheep, Daniel interpreted dreams, Mary Magdalene believed with her whole heart, and  many of the disciples of Jesus were fishermen.  Even Jesus was a carpenter.  

Why do you think work and purpose are essential to God?

One challenging part about work is that often we don't get to see how our efforts are part of God's plan.  We may feel a calling to something specific -  almost like the Spirit guided us to it.  It may be difficult to describe, but you feel a sense of assurance about it.  This calling or guidance from the Spirit may be something like an acquaintance asked you about your faith or maybe like you showed kindness to someone really downtrodden.  But then, you find yourself later wondering if your efforts really had an impact.  

Describe a time you were left wondering if your efforts mattered?

What are some things you do or could to help with the reality that you may not see the impact?  How do you stay focussed in light of not always seeing your results, impact?

Closing Prayer

Hey God, thank You for the gift of work.  Thank You for making us unique.  Help us to see ways to use those gifts in ways that honor Your plans, Lord.  Open our eyes to the needs of others.  Please forgive us when we stumble and show us paths of righteousness.  We ask for this in Your Holy Name, Amen.    

The Hands

If you have never taken time to reflect on your own unique talents, skills, and abilities, try writing them down.  Write a simple list; nothing too complex.  Stay focused on positive attributes.  Once you see these aspects on paper, how does that make you feel?  Does this exercise inspire any new directions?