Marine Corps Base Quantico -- “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” Proverbs 22:29 NIV
Promotion, promotion, promotion seems to be the mantra of those serving in the military. Everyday is a building block to the next rank. We see our labors rewarded by increased pay and responsibility. We are always climbing higher to right the wrongs. The Bible teaches that merit is a just way to measure a man’s performance. The Bible teaches that one who demonstrates proficiency will influence mighty powers. The Bible teaches that our work matters to God. I am grateful for these truths. We need skilled men and women to run our complex systems of government, defense, and industry.
In 1 Timothy 5:18, it says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker deserves his wages.” If a man does a job, he should be compensated, and we know that in the life of a public servant compensation goes beyond money. The Bible is filled with principles about just balances and rebukes for those that take a bribe. Our systems will crumble if we do not promote the right people, if we do not reward honest and efficient laborers. Promotion aside, the work we do is an end in itself: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Col 3:2) God commanded us to work six days, and do all things as unto Him. Doing so is a testimony to our faith.
In the book, “Your Work Matters to God,” Doug Sherman and William Hendricks say this, “This idea of our work itself as a means of pointing the way to God has largely been lost in our culture. We need to reclaim it. I don’t think anyone would have preferred that Handel or Bach had quit writing music and become evangelists. Or that William Wilberforce had quit Parliament and become an evangelist.” God can use whatever you do to redeem people.
I once heard of an officer who had it written in his performance evaluation that his faith is a primary factor in what makes him a great officer. His religion motivated him to become the most professional warrior, and it was infectious in motivating the lives of others. Could someone write that in your performance review? If you are standing before a king, then you already know.
One final thought, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working, nor planning, nor knowledge, nor wisdom.” (Ecc 9:10) This life is your last chance to do skilled work.
My favorite example of this comes from Genesis 41:46, “Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout Egypt.” Take sometime this week to read about his influence, and how he rescued his family, his people, and a nation from drought.