Sunday 12 March 2023

Christian Economics

 

As often happen in business, every so often, perhaps once a year, employees start feeling that they are not paid enough. They work hard and yet they find that with inflation, and the cost of living going up, what they are earning is not enough. They would like more. And they want to enjoy the good things in life, like holidays, bigger cars, houses and so on. 

They become unhappy with their salaries. They ask their employer for a rise. If they are in a Union their Union negotiates on their behalf. Perhaps threatens strikes. Eventually an agreement is reached and a rise in salary is agreed.

Now the employees are no longer unhappy. Not necessarily happy, but no longer unhappy. Until, with the passage of time, they become unhappy again and the whole song and dance starts all over again.

Do you remember when you were unhappy? And you asked God for a favour? You may have tried to bargain with Him even. And you prayed and prayed and eventually God answered your prayers. Not exactly what you wanted; but He answered in sorts.

Then you asked again; perhaps it was on behalf of someone who was ill. And you asked again; about a job perhaps, or a promotion, or something else. And again ... and again.

Is that how our relationship with God has become? A continuous negotiation with us wanting more in order to stop being unhappy?

Years ago I worked for a large multi-national as a senior manager. It was hard work, with a lot of responsibility and travelling. I hated travelling.

I talked to a priest about it. He said, "You don't really work for this Organisation. You work for God. They may pay your salary, but everything you do it is for God. Your work should be an example to others on where your focus really is. If you're late for work, or take long lunch hours, or do a half-well job; you are in effect stealing from God. Jesus was a carpenter. I doubt He made wobbly tables. So why should you?"

In a way, that's a good attitude to life. Whether we're a manager, lawyer, doctor or whatever; we are in effect working for God. Even if we're not employed but raising a family, or retired; whatever we do we do for God. Our life is an example that others can emulate.

Even if at times we are unhappy with our lot, and we go to God in prayer; one thing is for sure. He does listen. He does reply. In His time and in His way.

19 comments:

  1. ...I have a problem with Prosperity Theology!

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    1. Jesus spoke about that: Luke 16:19-31.

      God bless.

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  2. That's a great way of looking at our lives. Like Mick Jagger put it, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try you find you get what you need." Thanks, God!

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    1. Good point, Mevely. How many times we go praying for what we want, rather than what we need to serve God.

      God bless you.

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  3. Going to keep that foremost in mind, Victor - all my work is, and should be, dedicated to the Lord and to serving Him and His purposes here on earth. Jesus never promised us happiness, but He did promise us joy when we trust in Him.
    Blessings!

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    1. Those words from the priest certainly struck home for me. I was going through a difficult time at work; and he said I was doing it for God.

      God bless, Martha.

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  4. We should be the best we can be. Role models in the name of God.

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  5. Dearest Victor,
    That's how we got raised,
    Never making God ashamed of us and—he knows and sees everything.
    Never make your Parents feel embarrassed keep up a good name.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  6. We should NOT use God as a shopping list. He promises to provide all our needs NOT wants when we pray and trust Him.

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    1. Ah ... but many treat Him like a shopping list, or a genie or fairy godmother.

      God bless, Happyone.

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  7. Very interesting perspective. I like it. Of course I won't tell my boss that or he may fire me! Kidding aside, that's very insightful.

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    1. Thank you so much, Manny. Best wishes to you and family.

      God bless.

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  8. Hi Victor! I love this post and completely agree. When we take this perspective, that everything we do, is for God, it really helps with some of the things we may not really enjoy. I am a new visitor to your blog, but will be back! God bless!

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    1. Thank you Deb for your visit here and for taking the time to comment. Those words from that priest many years ago have resonated throughout my life. We often have difficult jobs to do and hard decisions to make. If we focus on God at all times, He will show us what to do and how to do it.

      We look forward to your many visits. This is a Christian Blog with a touch of humour every now and then.

      God bless you always.

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  9. This is why i have to be so scrupulously honest in my work, i work for Jesus and He allows my wonderful clients to have the funds to hire me.

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