Last year, 2020, I started the year with the first SNL being titled, the Perfect Family. This year, 2021, the first SNL is titled the Perfect Worker. When we read the Bible, different things stay in our mind. We don't seem to forget them. There are always a few verses that challenge me in relation to employees and employers. These are the modern terms we use. A worker, the boss if you will. Or more in tune to period wording, a master and his slave. Use those words today, and you will be arrested. But that indeed what the words are - a master and his slave. Now, a slave was a worker. That means no salary. Work for no salary. Oh! I would never do that. Really? Students do OJT. Work, no salary. Ah... so you would do it to benefit you!. People do volunteer work at hospitals and other places. Why? So they may get a full time job. Ah... so you would work for free. You see, the bright ones look ahead to what will come, if they show their commitment to the task, the boss, and their own character. You don't see that much today. Sad. Anyway, back to the word... slave and the word committed. By definition, a slave has no choice. Yet, a slave who live his master Ex 21: 6, and he realises he is better off with a good master Deut 15: 17, that slave is to get an awl out through his ear, via a door, to ensure the awl goes through. Then he is making a statement, I will be your slave for life. You see, there are good masters, who look after their employees. And there are good employees, who look after their masters. Sadly, people have no commitment anymore. They would never dream to put an awl in their ear, to say - I will work for you for life. In the complexity (??) of life we lost the meaning of life. A good working relationship is about understanding common sense. A lot of people do nit understand that meaning, let alone heart sense, So, let's look at another verse - 1 Tim 5: 18 a worker deserves his hire. Also Lev 19: 13 - do not withhold the wages of a worker. What does it all mean? I know a person who made a commitment to support a family, where there are four children. One disadvantaged. The promise they made was to themselves. I will look after you. That promise is not dependent on whether you have money or not. Whether you have work or not. Whether it is a nice day or a rainy day. Commitments to your workers, true, Godly commitment, you will meet your commitment, whatever the personal situation and circumstances of your life are. It is when times are difficult, school drops to 15 kids, that you meet the same commitment as if you had 108 kids. This is truthful honesty to yourself, and to God. You can blow your own trumpet as much as you want. But do you support your slave when your times are difficult? You see, the loving servant, observed his master how the master looked after him, provided for his servant even when times are tough. I have always done my best, my utmost best, to provide well for my workers. Given as much wages, gifts, extra as I can, even when I am short of funds myself. So, I leave you with two thoughts. Are you a master who does what is right, best for your slaves, and put them FIRST? Or are you a good slave that would willingly commit yourself for life to serve a wonderful boss? Your answers, and most importantly your actions, reveal to you who you really are.
MCC Admin
11 Shevat 5781