Proverbs 10:4, 5: Satisfaction in Laziness

He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. Proverbs 10:4, 5

Slack: negligent, idle hand

Poor: to be destitute -- lack, needy

Diligent: to be alert, to decide

Rich: to accumulate; specifically to grow

Wise: act circumspectly, prudently

Shame:  to be ashamed, to be disappointed

Work ethic. It's lacking in our society today. We used to take pride in doing a job well. Now people want to get nothing for little or no work. And many of those that do work, don't put forth any effort. 

Idle hand. Trouble begins when one has nothing to do. And idle hands lead to laziness and that leads to trouble. 

Diligent isn't just an idea, rather is translates into action. It is a specific choice and that choice then leads to action that leads to riches. 

Do nothing and be rewarded. That seems to be the norm in our world today. However, as we look around, we can see that those that live that philosophy are angry, discontent, and in trouble. Why are those who except everything for nothing so discontented? Because there is nothing to take pride in; there is no satisfaction in laziness. 

What about those that can't work? That truly are disabled. Even those that are disabled or too old still find purpose and meaning by doing what they can. Those that make excuses for doing nothing live in states of depression and frustration. Those that try to do all they can for themselves and others, are encouraged and happy. 

Negligent. Diligent. Two opposites. Satisfaction in laziness. Gratification in industriousness. 

Shame. Riches. Two opposites. Two different results based upon actions and attitude. 

The only way to assure that one does not create a mindset of having a satisfaction in laziness is to have a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when we respect and fear God, we want out attitudes and actions to reflect His wisdom. We want to obey Him and put forth the effort in knowing that we are doing a job—and doing it diligently. 

Words. Actions. Beyond Measure.

Ruth 2:13-17

Words. Actions. Beyond measure. 

Boaz spoke kindly to Ruth. Then he went further and put that kindness into action. Then even went further than expected and blessed Ruth. 

Words. Actions. Beyond measure.

Ruth responded with humility and thanksgiving. She continued to work hard. She accepted the blessings that she was given, and "paid it forward" by sharing with Naomi. 

Words. 

Words can encourage or cause discouragement. Words can convey kindness. But often if we stop at just words, and don't add actions, our words can be meaningless. 

Actions.

Actions should be an extension of our words. If we say we will do something—do it. Actions continue to convey the meaning of our words.  

Beyond measure. 

Word and actions shouldn't stop short of sharing God's love. It's not just the "least we can do", rather it's "all out"! Beyond measure, that extra step, that unexpected blessing. 

Boaz didn't just speak kindly to Ruth, he also shared his food with her. And notice what Ruth did—she ate until she was full and kept the extra so Naomi would have food to eat as well. Ruth was not caught up in the treatment she was receiving. She was not selfish, as she continued to remember and want to care for Naomi. 

Boaz didn't just tell Ruth to glean in his fields, he made sure that she'd be able to gather more than enough grain. He told his workers to leave extra laying around so that she would be sure to have more than she needs. Ruth didn't just stand around and expect to be handed the grain, rather she continue to work in the fields. At the end of the day, when she was tired, she continue to work to "beat out the grain". Her actions continue to display solid work ethic. 

Due to the kindness of Boaz and his willingness to go 'beyond', Ruth not only had food to eat, and extra for Naomi, she also had a profitable day gleaning—enough for about 5 days worth of food! That was a huge amount considering she was gleaning behind the workers. But because Boaz went "beyond", Ruth ended up with "beyond" what she needed for the day. 

Words. Actions. Beyond Measure. 

When my heart is permeated with a deeps sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), not only will my words be kind and truthful, my words will be put into action, and I'll be willing to go "beyond" to encourage and show God's love to others.

Right Thing = Reward

Ruth 2:8-12

These few verses are packed with so much — the kindness of Boaz to a stranger in the land, Ruth. Boaz made sure that Ruth would be well taken care of as she continue to gather food for her and Naomi. 

Ruth remains humble and realizes the graciousness of Boaz. She asks Boaz, why he is being so kind to her. 

Boaz's answer shows how important doing the RIGHT THING is—simply because it is the right thing! Boaz HEARD of what Ruth did for Naomi. 

I have been made fully aware of all you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and mother and the land of your birth and have come to a people unknown to you before. Ruth 2:11 (AMP)

People are watching. People are talking. What are they learning and saying about me? What reputation is being spread about me? Makes one stop and think, or at least it should. But even more importantly, what does God think of what I'm doing? 

The Lord recompense you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under Whose wings you have come to take refuge! Ruth 2:12 (AMP)

Boaz knows that he can only do so much for Ruth (and he's blessing her by making sure that she'll be able to get enough food for her and Naomi). But Boaz knows that true blessings and rewards come from God. Ruth was doing the right thing, and it was noticed not just by the people in Bethlehem and Boaz, but by GOD! 

Doing the right thing, no matter how difficult it is, no matter how lonely it is, no matter the 'pay' isn't enough..... no matter. Doing the right thing — is the RIGHT thing because God is the One who will recompense and give the reward—maybe not on Earth, but in Heaven for sure! 

Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (AMP)

If I want my motivation for doing the right thing to be on target (pleasing and honoring God), then my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).  

Right Thing

The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you, The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually). Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)

Ruth 2:4-7

How do you feel when you see the Boss coming? How awesome to be greeted with "The Lord be with you!" And the response of the workers, was " The Lord bless you!" That is an encouraging greeting. 

Yesterday, the post was on how God designs and works His plan to accomplish His purpose. In Ruth 2:4-7, we continue to see God's attention to details. 

As Boaz came to inspect his fields, Ruth caught his eye. He noticed her among the others gleaning the leftovers. He learned that she was Ruth, the daughter-in-law of Naomi.

Notice the description given of Ruth. She did not demand that she be able to glean in his fields. She did not demand anything. Rather, she humbly asked if she could glean in his fields collecting the leftovers. And she worked tirelessly from early morning, resting just a bit. Her work ethic spoke volumes about her. She was willing to work hard long hours to provided food for her and Naomi. Ruth was doing the right thing and doing it well! 

Now, remember, Ruth could have stayed back in Moab with her family. Yet, she left and went with Naomi to a strange land. And now, she was working hard to provide food. Her attitude was noticed by those in the field and in turn, by Boaz. 

Often the things we do, go unnoticed by most. Yet, we are to be doing our best not to gain attention or fame, rather we are to be doing the right thing to the best of our ability because we are doing it unto the Lord. No matter the task. No matter how difficult. No matter..... no excuses. Just do the work for the glory of God. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then I'll be ready and willing to do the right thing no matter how difficult it may be—knowing that I'm doing it for the glory of God!

Civic & Christian

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.   

Perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated [from you] for a while, that you might have him back as yours forever, Not as a slave any longer but as [something] more than a slave, as a brother [Christian], especially dear to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh [as a servant] and in the Lord [as a fellow believer]. If then you consider me a partner and a comrade in fellowship, welcome and receive him as you would [welcome and receive] me.
Philemon 1:15-17 (AMP)

Civic & Christian

Onesimus left Philemon. That was wrong. However, while gone, Onesimus was then introduced to Jesus Christ through the ministry of Paul. And from all accounts, was a changed man. 

Each of us have a Civic responsibility, for we live in this world. But we also have a Christian responsibility and the two cannot be separated. 

We are to work hard, take care of property, and live in accordance with the laws (that do not go against God's standards). If we agree to work for someone for a particular amount of money, then we need to do our job to the very best of our ability. We do not complain about not getting more money, nor do we "call in sick" simply because we don't feel like working. Responsibility is to fulfill your duties based on your word, not how you happen to feel. Remember we are working for God, and He has very high standards. 

Civic & Christian

Friendship is a wonderful gift. With friends we laugh, cry, grow, and create many memories. Friendship based on mutual faith in Jesus Christ takes that friendship to a deep level. We now have the wonderful bond of knowing Jesus Christ who died so that we can have eternal life. That bond goes beyond any earthly bond. 

Civic & Christian responsibilities are only fulfilled to the highest standard when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG).

The "A" List

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.  

Once he was unprofitable to you, but now he is indeed profitable to you as well as to me. Philemon 1:11 (AMP)

Onesimus, the name means "profit, to help". Yet, at one point, Onesimus was unprofitable, useless. Actions to have consequences and can change a reputation very quickly. We aren't sure exactly what Onesimus did, but one thing we do know is that he was NOT where he belonged, in Colossea working for Philemon. 

Unprofitable. Think for a moment, of having that label. Unprofitable.

What makes one, "unprofitable"?

What makes one "profitable"?

The "A" List: An attitude, an action, amount of effort, attention to details, attentiveness to the task at hand, applying aptitude, and the aftereffect. 

Something changed in Onesimus from the time he left Philemon and the time Paul is writing. And that change, had an impact in Onesimus' life and it was evident. That change was the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Christians SHOULD act and work differently and it should be a substantial difference—as we are not just working for employers, rather we are working for God Almighty! 

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then the "A" list: my attitude, actions, amount of effort, attention to details, attentiveness to the task at hand, applying aptitude, and the aftereffect—should all be a reflection of God and His highest standards.

Christ-Like

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon. 

I appeal to you for my [own spiritual] child, Onesimus [meaning profitable], whom I have begotten [in the faith] while a captive in these chains.  Philemon 1:10 (AMP)

Paul now states his request of Philemon. Out of love and respect for Paul, he is making this request about Onesimus. 

Who is Onesimus? He is a servant of Philemon's who did not do as he should have done. We know that Oneismus was not where he belonged, in Colossae with Philemon. That fact in an of itself, was enough to discredit Onesimus. Yet, now Onesimus is a changed man, since accepting Christ as His Savior. Paul wants to make that clear, and let Philemon know that Onesimus wants to do the right thing and return to Colossae. 

In the original, the name Onesimus is reserved to come in last in the sentence. The order of the Greek is this: “I entreat thee concerning a son of mine, whom I have begotten in my bonds - Onesimus.” Here the name is not suggested, until he had mentioned that he sustained to him the relation of a son, and also until he had added that his conversion was the fruit of his labors while he was a prisoner. Then, when the name of Onesimus is mentioned, it would occur to Philemon not primarily as the name of an ungrateful and disobedient servant, but as the interesting case of one converted by the labors of his own friend in prison. Was there ever more delicacy evinced in preparing the way for disarming one of prejudice, and carrying an appeal to his heart? 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Here we have three men each who has a major part in this event. 1. Philemon, the employer, who had an employee who did wrong. 2. Onesimus, the servant, who did wrong. 3. Paul, the apostle, the one who introduced Onesimus to Christ. 

Each of these men have a stake in this event. Philemon, will he show Christ-like love and forgiveness? Onesimus, will he demonstrate Christ-like humbleness and obedience as a Christian? Paul, in prison asking another believer to trust him and accept his request based upon Paul's Christ-like attitude and lifestyle. 

In today's society the theme is "what I deserve" or "what is owed me". However, that theme of entitlement is not true. What we each "deserve" and "owed" is NOT based on what we want or how we feel, but rather should be based upon what we do, and how we do it. Work ethic is important. 

Onesimus for whatever reason, left his place of employment, and ran away. Apparently, he thought he deserved more. But after meeting Paul, and learning about Christ and accepting Christ as his Lord, Onesimus had a change of heart—he was now a changed man.

Christ-like attitude is one that shines in all we do and say. Doesn't matter what we are asked to do, we are to do it as "unto the Lord". Christ-like attitude is not based on how I feel, or how I'm treated, rather is is the result of a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

No Excuses

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.   

Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that also you have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1 (AMP)

The Master or those in authority, also must act in accordance with God's Word and work ethic. For they too are "working to make the Boss look good". 

Looking back to Colossians 3:18 through 4:1, each and every individual has a responsibility to God honoring in all they do. For when each individual is honoring God with their actions, attitude, and words, then God is glorified. 

One thing that is missing from these verses are "excuses". How we conduct ourselves is NOT to be based on how others treat us or what they do or don't do. Rather we conduct ourselves to honor God, no matter what others do or say. No excuses to try to justify our lackadaisical attitude or actions. No excuses to justify our poor performance. No excuses. 

We have a MASTER in Heaven who not sees our actions, knows our thoughts, but also knows the motivation for what we are doing. 

Each and every day I need to evaluate what I'm doing. Is my work up to God's standards? Is my attitude God-pleasing? Am I working for the wages I'll receive here on earth; or am I working toward the Heavenly eternal rewards? And what is my motivation? 

In order to answer each of those questions with the proper response, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. No excuses allowed. Only God-approved attitude and actions.