This post is a follow-up message from Pastor Ben's sermon entitled "Give or Take?". [Watch video]

In our message this last week we saw how the subject of laboring with our hands is found throughout the scriptures. God has given us work as a way to find meaning and significance in life, to provide for our own needs, and to have an abundance to share with others who are in need.

"He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need." Ephesians 4:28.

Sunday was also Mother's Day, and mothers certainly are those who work hard. Work is not always working for money. Mothers who are “workers at home” (Titus 2:5) do not punch a time clock, do not collect a paycheck, but are truly on call 24 hours a day. I learned about hard work from my Mom. There were eight children in our family, so my mother certainly had her work cut out for her. The laundry, cleaning, cooking, sewing, changing diapers, and disciplining children were non-stop. She taught me hard work by example. But she also literally taught me how to work and how to do a good job. She gave me chores and would tell me how to do them and show me how to do them. I clearly remember her teaching me how to use a broom and dustpan, and how to make sure I got the smallest bits of dust at the end.

When I was about 13 years old, my parents divorced and my mother went to work outside the home for the first time. Again, her example taught me about work and its value. Yes, it was very difficult for her, but she never complained, never asked for hand-outs, and always provided for her children. Certainly, my mom worked with her own hands what was good, and she always had something to give to the needs of her children. So, all you moms out there, thanks for showing us how it’s done. As you are faithful to God in your work in the home, be assured that your children are learning the value of honest labor from your example.