In one way or another, it is necessary for the majority of us to make a living. Some of us are busy housewives with innumerable tasks. Others are breadwinners, in the office, field or factory. There is work to be done, and we know that by the sweat of our brow we must eat bread.
Solomon in the Proverbs speaks of a diligent man as worthy; a shiftless man as useless. He also said that there is nothing better under the sun than for a man to rejoice in the labour of his own hands. The Apostle Paul, despite his arduous labours in the service, worked with his hands, so that he might not be chargeable to any man.
Throughout the Scriptures there is much said about work. For instance, Ecclesiastes 9 :10 states : “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might ; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou goest.”
We are told that the sleep of the laboring man is sweet at the end of a day’s toil, and we are exhorted to be diligent and not slothful. So, according to the Bible, it seems that work, in one form or another, is necessary for mankind.
First of all, let us consider how we can be in the world and yet not of it. We must learn how to practice this essential separateness that characterizes the true brother or sister of Christ. We realise that this is one of the greatest problems that affect the believer, yet the situation must be faced. We must work to live. We cannot adopt an escapist policy, as do the various groups in convents and monasteries who go into seclusion in a vain endeavour to prepare themselves for what they believe eternity to be. We know that none of the worthies of old practiced voluntary seclusion ; rather they sought the company of those who would listen to them.
Contrast the life in a hermit’s cell to the lives of men like the Apostle Paul, Timothy and Philip. The greatest examples of all are our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ and the twelve who followed Him. They lived extremely vigorous, active lives that were far from seclusion.
Now, how about us ? We do not shut ourselves off from the world. We go to work just as our neighbours around us do. But how do we react as brethren and sisters of Christ ? The best way to separate ourselves from those about us is not to indulge in the many acts of frivolity that take place in an office or plant such as the check pool on pay day, the office sweep on the World Series, or organized trips to shows and ball games.
This may seem hard and unnecessary to some of our younger brethren and sisters. But there is no better way of proving to our associates what manner of persons we are. “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness ?” (2 Peter 3:11).
Do we in our speech let the world know what manner of people we are? Is our conversation pure, or do we indulge in foolish double talk ? Do we keep aloof from such things ? Let us recall what James has to say about cursing (James 3:9,10). “Therefore bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.” “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
There is an outstanding example of vile speech separating a brother from his high calling. It took place the very night that Jesus was betrayed. It was an incident that displayed the weakness of man. It concerned Peter.
Poor, impetuous Peter! He had witnessed a mob taking his beloved Master away. Then he followed the crowd, walking sadly behind them. The Scriptures are silent, but his thoughts must have been troubled and fearful as they led the beloved Jesus away.
In Matthew 26:69,70, when a damsel said to him, “Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee,” there was a quick denial. In verse 71 when another maid said the same thing he denied again, this time with an oath, that he was a follower of Jesus.
Now let us read from Matthew 26:73,74, “And after a while came unto him they that stood by and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them ; for thy speech betrayeth thee.” “Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man.” By cursing and swearing he hoped to convince them that he was not associated with Christ, and so convincing was his demonstration that they let him go. Poor Peter! In the moment of extreme trial his courage failed him. He denied his Christ, and truly he was not one of His that night.
The same applies today. If we indulge in loose talk, cursing and swearing, we prove that we are not one with Christ. Indeed, brethren, “these things ought not to be.” It is by abstinence from these things that people begin to recognise us as a people apart.
One of the big problems that confront brethren is the question of trade unions. If we go back to the very beginning of the trade unions, we will find that in medieval days they were termed trade guilds. It was only in a town with a charter that a guild could be established. This charter could be obtained only through the favour of the church. Thus the real trade union movement was an off-shoot of the church, for it had the controlling interest and influence.
The city of Birmingham, England, did not receive a charter until the year 1838 when the power of the church had waned. Thus for centuries the city attracted all manner of craftsmen who wished to practice their trade, and also enjoy religious freedom. It was there that the Truth flourished.
From those early beginnings the movements spread far and wide, until today it is almost impossible to work at certain trades without being a union member. Many brethren feel that we can pay our dues as a form of tribute money, and remain a passive member. However, there is danger in joining with the unbeliever who would not hesitate to use methods that are not Christ-like ; and so we say, if you can avoid joining a union, do so. Always respect the brother whose conscience forbids him to join, but understand the position of a brother who is a member.
In conclusion, let us remember our high calling and the work to be done for our Master, which is the work that really counts. Jesus said, “But rather seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One