february 2023

"West Wing:" I was watching this show series, so I had to put a title on this issue. Namely, the producers of this television show wanted the government workers to give their opinions and testimonies about life in the office or for that president. I saw the hilarity in this video. But what struck me was that the producers had to show the low-budget salary of these government workers. The people interviewed mentioned that they felt the right to return to work because of their work. Despite their low wages, they said they were honoured, not obligated. What if we change this from government work to God's work? What if we allow God to change us to show forth these fruits He desired in us? If this is what we should do, it is not the salary nor the hardship of the job but the obligation to God. What do you think? If you believe this is ridiculous, then your world is not God's. If you work in this world like any unbeliever, you are not a Christian, regardless of your baptism. Apostle Paul said to the Galatians: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19 - 21 NIV)
     This whole chapter says all about the obligations of a Christian. And I believe this to be true. When we work, we work in this world, but our duties are still unto God, whatever our job responsibilities may be. When you apply God's commandments, you will see God's major picture, and His will become yours. We might still fall by the wayside, but it is easier to pick ourselves out of the rut; ask God for forgiveness; ask God where we'd gone wrong, then reapply His word. If we don't do this, we might not see where we have fallen because our hearts and minds aren't anywhere near where God wants us to be. How can we know we have lost our way if this is the case? How can we know if this is what God wants from us? And all we probably are doing is bitch about this or that, not getting God's approval and blessings. These scriptures from Galatians 5:19 to 21 are what Paul said: that we only mind our flesh. Results will spew from the acts of those who only follow their flesh. Anyone who displays these fruits will not inherit the kingdom of God. Furthermore, Paul wrote about people who disagree with the sound teachings of godliness. "They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." 1 Timothy 6:4-5 NIV. As we read more of this chapter, Paul continued to write about people who wanted financial riches would wander from their faith in Christ, piercing themselves with many griefs. 
     When we look to God for answers, we read what Paul had written is helpful. Paul stated, "godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6:6 to 8 NIV. Paul reiterated we are sanctified if we are God's people. Thereby, we should be content with whatever we have. 
     I have a regular job as a cashier. From time to time, my schedule gets changed. My hours worked may sometimes fall outside the schedule. This experience can be an advantage to me or those who pay me for my hours worked. I have no quarrels with this because it is outside of our control. Recently, I caught the flu and COVID. The pains I suffered during this period were something I recognized because I was up-to-date on the information about COVID sufferers and influenza sufferers—the last of which I'm familiar with during my decades on earth. When I returned to work, I had to write my available hours again, a requirement for all employees. Again, no problem for me. I'm up against the management, who tend to forget why we employees had to get out of the house, even while we are still sick with the flu and COVID, solely to write our availability hours. Now, God knows our weaknesses and the future paths we will take. He had the Holy Bible published for our eyes and hearts to understand the necessity of our upbringing as Christians because He wants us to follow Him according to His Will. 
     Remember this scripture, "A bruised reed he will not break?" This scripture from Isaiah 42:3 tells us that God is kind enough to let us know, so we will follow Him rather than be dragged on the journey. I am sure you may have seen for yourselves the YouTube videos about the owner who wants to walk their cat or dog, but the pet doesn't and have to be dragged on the pavement. It isn't pretty if you are that Christian. You wouldn't want to find yourself dealing with God's anger. I need help to get this from the management: to will according to the employees' availabilities, not according to what management wants outside the employees' written schedules. God is right about Christians who will forget their love for Him in the end times. He knows our weaknesses as well as our pathways. Does this excuse us from the decisions we make on this earth? Of course not! 
     Let's return to the television series, The West Wing. Remember that those workers were honoured to work for the government. They serve their country with a purpose in mind. They are honoured to get picked for the responsibilities. Their low salaries weren't comparable to other jobs elsewhere. I would also like to add that their job positions at the White House were unstable because they depended on the elected office party they were there to support. Contrast all of this to God's party. There is no election to vote. However, there is the Holy Bible to honour because of the Godhead. Christians serve with a purpose in mind and receive their due reward on Judgement Day. Christians should feel responsible for whatever they can for the Kingdom of God. They should not be feeling disparaged because of the low salaries they might have to endure. Finally, this job position is eternal and stable. No requirement to continue to make your availability schedule—all these reasons and more are why I love being a Christian and honouring God. Regarding all the above, why would you want to be a lukewarm Christian, anyway?