The Work of the Poor

"Therefore, my BELOVED brothers, BE steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the WORK of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Henry Ossawa Tanner
The Thankful Poor, 1894

Feelings of worthlessness creep in when we're unable to contribute to society in any "gainful" way, or the way to which we've become accustom, or to our family's bank accounts that our medical bills keep draining. Whether the result of old age, illness, or injury, when our earthly work ends, our identity is often lost in endless hours of introspection and loneliness. And when our existence becomes far harder work than the 10hr days we used to put in, the feelings of worthlessness multiply exponentially.

At the risk of piling more guilt on that guilt, such feelings worthlessness and lack of identity are sinfully selfish. Anytime we try to determine our worth by anything apart from the sacrifice of Christ, we are setting ourselves up for tears of frustration and disappointment. Work is important, it's done to glorify God and help our neighbors, and whether we labor to support our families or just to catch our next breath, it is never in vain. But our worth is not determined by it.

God has determined our worth for us regardless of our earthly abilities or the lack thereof. Think of that one, smallest little thing you are still able to do to the glory of God and for the good of someone else, and forget it for a second. It's not about you. It's not about your work. It's about Him and His work. You are a child of God.

Suggested verse to repeat is from Psalm 92:4b

PRC buddies, remember to breathe!

"At the works of Your hands, -------> 5 count inhale

I sing for joy." -------> 5 count exhale

For more on work, click here.