Thursday, April 24, 2008

Get a Job

Proverbs 24:27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

Help me out with the application of this verse. It seems to me that God is saying for the man to get his work established, make it "fit for thyself" ("thyself" is singular, fit just for him), and then once it has been established, he goes and builds his house.

Sounds like the single man that is looking to build his home ought to establish his career first. He ought to work on being able to support himself before he considers getting married and having children, building his house.

I think the problem is that our society doesn't have our kids building their careers until after high school, or even not until after college. I think it would be better to start working with our boys on their careers when they are young - 11? 12? 13? Start getting them established in the career that they want to do. They, of course, will listen to your guidance in picking a career, since you've trained them right since birth!

It seems to me that the best career in the world would be one in which you could devote your time to the study of God's word and to prayer (of course, not to the neglect of the rest of life, but simply being compensated with carnal things for the spiritual ministry. See Rom. 15:27). All Christians should know how to study the Bible, how to evangelize, etc., so that should be a part of all of their educations!

Anyway, just a thought...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

My hearts desire is to see all four of my children working full-time in the ministry. At this point I have not done enough to prepare them. But whether they are involved in ministry or in the workforce, you are right, we as parents should be getting them prepared. Too many young Christians become enamored with the opposite sex before they are grounded in their spiritual walk.

Mr. Young said...

This is one of them verses that really sticks out to me as I live with my in-law's. Perhaps it's a stretch, but right now I'm in institute and it's all preparation. I am fitting myself to be used in the field (whatever or wherever that may be) Though we hope never to attach our roots too deep in this world, I see us being able to settle more once he has us prepared enough to be fit for the field.

I'm sure that's about as clear as mud to anyone but me...lol

Hindsey said...

Yeah, Shannon, I think the principle being taught is that if you do not have a home to take care of, it is easier for you to prepare yourself and your field. But, hey, if you've got the home already, it doesn't excuse you from not preparing, it just makes it a bit harder in some ways (and easier in others, especially around dinner time!).