Entitlement & Commitment - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Entitlement & Commitment

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, NKJV)

Seems like a harsh word from Paul, right? Don’t work. Don’t eat. Sounds like simple truth to me.

Being raised in the 60’s and 70’s, I watched my Dad and Mom work hard. Very hard. Dad had two jobs – one from 6 am to 4 pm at Viking Pump Iron Factory in Cedar Falls, Iowa as the maintenance man. I clearly remember riding my bike on a regular basis to take him his lunch bucket and water Thermostat during the hot summer months.

Once home from that grueling job in the dirty foundry making water pumps, he took about a half hour break, then left again until about 9 pm or so, to maintain his entrepreneur job which he started, named Martin Electrical Service. He had learned along the way how to do electrical work, which added to the household income, laboring an additional 20 hours or more per week, re-wiring residential houses, churches, and installing yard lights. (We have one in our front yard to this day, 24 years now in this house, which he put in!)

As a teenager in high school, I was expected and did, assist him. Crawling in attics to run wire, with the insulation itching my skin, wasn’t a very pleasant task. But I was small, it taught me the fruit of labor, and I learned something of hard work with its rewards. And I appreciated the cold Coke and Snickers bar he often bought me!

Dad was a quiet man. He didn’t say “I love you” daily. Only a few times in my lifetime. His actions proved that he did. Loud and clear.

And Mom – raising us eight kids – well, you can only imagine. Five daughters and three sons. Many today find it difficult (or even inconvenient to their desired lifestyle) to raise one or two. Commitment to the eight of us took a life laid down - a tremendous amount of time and effort. Not much time for much of anything else I am sure. But Mom did it. Morning prayer and Bible reading had become her solid foundation on which to stand through the full day.

Today, though scattered around the USA, we all bless the Lord for our parents who raised us right. Blood, sweat, and tears certainly along the way. But they did it. And I for one honor them for that, to this day.

Louis and Lila Martin family - 1968. Cedar Falls, Iowa. Then only 7.

 

Then 8. 1973 family photo.

As you observe our society in our current time, one has to realize that the government in place is there to protect, defend, and provide for the safety of its citizens. And yet so many consider the government to be the savior of their life, their ultimate provider, the “high and mighty” who is supposed to be there to provide their food stamps, pay their education from kindergarten through college, send a weekly check for “lack of labor opportunities”, and what not.

We are required to help the poor, not the lazy and unwilling.

Expectations of government provision, coupled with the entitlement mentality, have so infiltrated our citizenship, and those who abide as such, that the benefits of hard work have been dramatically eroded in the lives of many. Rather than experiencing that which gives a good sense of accomplishment has been reduced to “hand me out” expectations from others, rather than providing for one’s family themselves. You didn’t see many fathers and mothers in my generation expect the government to do everything for them. They relied on God and did what was expected of them.

Didn’t one Democratic President once say, “Ask not what your country can do for you…” I guess that was too many decades ago to still hold true for today. Obviously, some think that. (In case you don't know history as you should, it was President John F. Kennedy. He called on people to do what is right. That same current political party seems to do what gets them more votes, rather than what is for the good of the country and those who actually work.)

I hope we as parents teach our children to be hard-working citizens, using the gifts and talents that our Lord has given to them. One main purpose He has given us these abilities is in order to bless others with our gifts, not ourselves. Blessing others is Gospel truth. You reap what you sow. Giving out brings the receiving in.

For the Bible says, the eternal standard that will NEVER pass away...work hard. Share much. Reap the reward.

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9, NKJV)

No entitlements should be expected. Commitment gets the job done.

He Who gives freely knows what we do with what we have been given. Bottom line (as good accountants always say), we each will stand before the Lord and King one day, giving an account for what we have done with what we have been given. I trust you will receive a good commendation from Him. And then a great mansion to abide in! That is my expectation.

Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. Want an adventure walking on short adventures? Check this out: "Walk With Me" video series with Steve Martin.

P.S.S. I hope you get my latest book, Adventures in Courage, out this November. Paperback or Kindle versions. My 19^th authored publication. (Yes, this is an advertisement!) Still time before Christmas! Buy here on Amazon: Adventures in Courage

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Now Think On This #374 - in the year of our Lord 12.11.18 – “Entitlement & Commitment”  Tuesday, 6:00 am

Economics, According to King David - Orien Johnson, Young Life

A depiction of King David being crowned king of Israel.

Economics, According to King David

9/28/2015 ORIEN JOHNSON  charisma news

King David was one of the most popular and powerful kings of ancient Israel. During his reign of 40 years, he brought unity to a divided nation and established Jerusalem as the mightiest capital of the ancient world. He was a soldier king who made his coffers rich by conquest as was the custom of oriental potentates of that day. Yet, we have a hint in his 144th psalm that he disliked the ways of battle and longed for the sound economy of a healthy agricultural prosperity. 

"Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouths speak lies and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, and our daughters like cornerstones, cut in the similitude of a palace, that our granaries may be full, providing all manner of produce, that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields, and may our cattle be strong in labor. May there be no breaking in or going out, and no wailing in our streets. Blessed are the people who have such things; indeed, blessed are the people whose God is the Lord" (Ps. 144:11-15).

In spite of the riches he accumu­lated, we see a healthy lack of the materialistic philosophy that de­lights in things that money can buy. Psalm 62:10 gives this ad­vice: "If riches increase, set not your heart on them."

But it is in Psalm 128:2 that we discover a rare gem. I call it a "gem" because, like so many truths in the Bible, you have to pick them up, polish them, and give them a proper setting before they become valuable to you.

Here is the quotation: "For you shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you will be happy, and it shall be well with you."

Shall we begin the polishing process?

To labor with "your hands" is a figure of speech, for we know that it is possible to work with our feet, our tongues, our brains, or with other parts of our body. But "hands" are personal things. The words show that it is our own labor that is intended and not another's.

"Labor" is work—accomplish­ment as a result of energy ex­pended. This must mean construc­tive, creative or helpful work. It is unthinkable that the Bible would advocate work that is detrimental to one's fellow man. Therefore, any work that one is able to do that does not injure society is ac­ceptable. We realize that it is pos­sible to accumulate energy in the form of capital or tools that enable one to work more effectively than he could otherwise. But it is still the labor of our "hands" in that it took creative energy on our part to administer it or to put it to use after it was stored up. The gem is beginning to shine.

The next facet we work on is that word "fruit." The fruit of our labor is the net result of the labor of our hands. If I am a farmer, the fruit may be literal fruit that is good to eat. But what difference is it if I eat it or trade it for another kind of fruit? Or perhaps I might sell it and buy another kind of fruit from my neighbor, a kind that I might not have the ability to grow and yet a kind that I need and want very much.

These other fruits that I might want could be pieces of art, the fruit of labor of the artist; or instruction, the fruit of labor of the teacher; or administration, the fruit of those with organizational and leadership ability. These fruits could be listed ad infinitum, a tre­mendous storehouse or granary to hold the many fruits of labor of mankind—a lovely facet of our jewel.

The word "eat" is the next facet to tackle.

It is necessary for me to eat in order to live. The plan in the quo­tation unfolds: work, reap fruit, eat and live. It is a workable circle that perpetuates itself. It is life itself in its barest outline. If I don't work, I will not reap, I will not eat and soon I will not live. On the other hand, I may work a lot, reap a lot, eat a lot and have some left over to give away, and some to sell or to store up in order that more work may be done.

It is this possibility of putting more energy to work to produce more fruit that makes an efficient system of economics possible. There are some who cannot work because of sickness, either mental or physical. Their fruit will not sustain them. Therefore, it will be the privilege of those who can and do produce more than they need to put another Bible precept into practice: "Happy is he who is kind to the poor," (Proverbs 14:21) and also, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) There is no law in­volved here—no law voted in by men, that is. But shall we call it a higher principle? It is the prin­ciple which says, "Do this, if you wish, and you will receive the re­ward that goes with it." This is much stronger than man-made laws which say, "Do this or else."

Now look at our shining jewel. It is a valuable one because it teaches valuable lessons in eco­nomics, and they are principles, by the way, which have stood the test of time.

First of all, it utterly outshines the socialistic imitation which says, "The state shall take the fruit of your labor and administer it equally to all men." It outshines it because of one important ele­ment. It is the element of happi­ness which is missing in all social­istic paste imitations. In every one of the verses cited in this study, happiness is the result. And I am not referring to the emotion that comes from having your physical needs met. This is satisfaction for the moment, but happiness is deeper and more valuable. It comes as a result of freedom. Here's how it works. If I am free to work as much as I please, to reap as much as I please, to dispense with my fruit as I please, to enjoy the fruit of my own labors, to give to my neighbor in want, then I will en­joy the result: a happy life.

A happy life, then, will be a giving life. This meets the needs of my unfortunate neighbor and makes my own life overflow with the warm kind of joy that is the product of such giving. Will you pardon me if I cannot become en­thusiastic over socialistic pro­grams that involve compulsory "giving" in the form of high taxes to pressure groups that never fully meet the wants of those who cry for help? Thank you, but I have found a better plan.

This plan, which I learn from King David, and believe to be God's plan, is vibrant with the heart-warming values of the good life He is trying to teach. Of course, I have to fight greed and selfishness, but that puts iron in the soul and makes life worth the living when we taste a bit of vic­tory now and then. May I look for the injured traveler along life's road. May I stop, bind up his wounds, care for his needs, and pay the bill out of the surplus I have been able to accumulate as the result of the labor of my own hands. Then only will I feel the glow of satisfaction that results from learning God's lessons in economics which form for me a pattern of life that gives me an incentive to labor that much the harder. 

Mr. Johnson was editor of Young Life, a maga­zine for high-school and college-age youth, pub­lished in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This article was first published on November 1, 1959.

For the original article, visit FEE.org.

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Remember When - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Remember When

- Now Think On This

by Steve Martin

“'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NASU)

Remember when:

…you knew the neighbor across the street, whom your kids played with until it was dark out, and you could even borrow an egg if you needed too? Or if you were gone on a vacation for a week, and you came back to find your grass had been cut without asking anyone? Yes, the neighbor on the side of the house had kindly done it.

…you enjoyed having neighborhood gatherings, with each one bringing part of the meal for the grill, and you really did care about each other’s concerns that you shared amongst these friends?

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8-9 NASU

Remember when:

…you and a few others received an award in school, because you really did work extra hard, while most others showed little effort? Not everyone got a special one, which made it an extra achievement.

…the bonus you received on your job was because your contribution made a difference, and the management realized it. And so when others just did what was expected of them, you gave the extra effort, and thus achieved the greater reward given to a few.

 “The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the other five and said, ‘Sir, you gave me five talents; here, I have made five more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Excellent! You are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been faithful with a small amount, so I will put you in charge of a large amount. Come and join in your master’s happiness!” Matt 25:20-21 CJB

Remember when:

…Dad worked over 35 years at the same place, and they blessed him with a real special Grandfather’s clock, threw a party, and all his co-workers celebrated with him? He worked hard and was rightly honored.

…you also could almost certainly count on staying with your company for a long period of time, knowing they cared about you and not just the bottom line? And you got a fair wage for the work you were expected to do, and you did.

"Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me," says the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 3:5 NASU)

Remember when…

…you had a Grandpa and Grandma who had been married for over 40 years, demonstrating the love and commitment that they had declared to one another back when they were in their 20’s? Marriage was well respected. And along with that, following this union of one man and one woman, you were grateful that your Dad and Mom then helped create you after their wedding.

…you waited for the choice the Lord had made for you, while all the while keeping pure in your actions towards one another until she walked down the aisle? The honeymoon night was a very special time of coming together.

“Marriage should be honored by everyone. And every marriage should be kept pure between husband and wife. God will judge guilty those who commit sexual sins and adultery.” (Hebrews 13:4)

In all these things and more, our God certainly “remembers when”, and He is not slow in His rewards, nor is He forgetful about His promises to those who obey His laws, and also to those who don’t. Just because “days have gone by”, or “these times are changing” doesn’t mean that we can change what we want, when we want to change them. His eternal ways will certainly be made known by all – one way or another.

He knows what is written in each of our life’s book. That day will come for each of us, as He then shows it to us.

“Then I saw a large white throne. I saw the one who was sitting on the throne. Earth and sky ran away from him and disappeared. And I saw those who had died, great and small, standing before the throne. Some books were opened. And another book was opened—the book of life. The people were judged by what they had done, which is written in the books. (Revelations 20:11-12)

I hope you are still remembering to do what is right, and just, and certain in the eyes of the Lord. A crown of glory and eternal life in heaven awaits those who do.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People. Inc.

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.

If these messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families we know in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

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Now Think On This #174 “Remember When” by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2015 (07.13.15) Monday at 6:00 pm in Charlotte, NC

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This