Labor--Part 2

Today, we completed Part Two of Lesson 11 of The Truth Project in which we discussed the sphere of "Labor" in our lives. Dr. Tackett made the point that Labor is the source of all things in our lives. It pays for homes, cars, clothes, vacations, food, healthcare, etc. It also is the source of some evil things in our lives such as pornography, drug abuse, alcoholism, gluttony, and materialism. Dr. Tackett shared seven general principles related to money and economy:
1. All things belong to God.
2. God has made man a steward of His goods with ownership rights and accountability for the manner in which we manage God's goods.
3. Theft of another's goods is wrong and coveting of another's possessions is wrong as well.
4. The skills and abilities to work come from God.
5. Work is good, profitable, and to be pursued. Laziness is not.
6. Love God and not your goods.
7. Be compassionate and generous with your goods to those in need.

The last principle led to a discussion of our role as Christians in addressing the needs of the poor in our culture and society. Dr. Tackett pointed out that scripture directs us to leave the gleanings of our work for the poor. We talked about what this means. Dr. Tackett points out that it does not mean for us to harvest all the crops and give some to the poor. It means for us to leave some of the crops for the poor to harvest for themselves. In other words, we are not helping the poor by giving them a handout. We help the poor by providing an opportunity for them to work with their hands and provide for themselves. As Dr. Tackett says, it is our responsibility to "see the poor as beings of eternity who have a destiny beyond this world." The most meaningful thing we can do to help those who are poor is to help them find meaningful employment and make it possible for them to work with their own hands.

We also discussed the issue of the influence of the arts and media in our culture today. We debated the axiom, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." While there may be some differences in what one person perceives to be beauty and what someone else perceives to be beauty, Dr. Tackett took the position that all beauty should be measured against the standard of Truth as set out by God. We discussed the role of arts in our society and made note of the fact that there are productive and good roles for art and artists in our churches and in our society. We concluded that we should be encouraging our children to excell in their areas of talent and strength, but we should also be guiding them to use those talents in strength for the glory of God.

Wow! I thought today's lesson had some powerful truths that are especially relevant for this day and time. Of course, I have thought that about each of the lessons in the Truth Project. I am so thankful that God directed us toward this powerful curriculum. I hope it has been as meaningful to you as it has to me. Next week, we will begin the last lesson: Community. See you next Sunday.

The Country Fair is next Sunday evening. I am sorry that we will not be able to join you for this activity. I have a consultant job in San Antonio that will require me to leave right after church on the 2nd. However, I know you will do a great job with the putting booth. Best wishes for a great time with your kids and with the kids of our community.

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THIS WEEK:

Jackson- Karri's mom's church in Arkansas is going through the process of finding a new pastor. Please pray for guidance and resources for them as they look for the right person.

Please remember all of the kids and teachers that will be undertaking TAKS testing this Tuesday and Wednesday.

Scasta- Praise! The pianist at the church that Tracey grew up in is in stable condition and her heart problem will be able to be treated with medication.

Please pray for Franklin Graham and our nation. Franklin's invitation to the national day of prayer function at the Pentagon was rescinded because of negative comments he made in the past about the Muslim faith. Please pray for him as he stands for truth.

Remember to pray for the President and Congress.


Social:

The Country Fair is next Sunday at 5:00 at the church. Our class is manning the putt putt booth. If you can work a slot, let us know. We're trying to have 2 people for each 30 min. slot. The schedule is:

5:00 Swope
5:30 Gutierrez
6:00 Scasta/Holmes
6:30 Miles/Lowe

Bring your picnic blanket and hang out with us near the putt putt game!

Have a great week!