WORK: WHAT A BLESSING!
Be Fruitful
God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” Genesis 1:28 (HCSB)
In today’s economy, everyone is trying to maximize their potential. Employees are looking for the best job and Employers are choosing only the best employees. I read an article some time ago, I can’t remember where, that listed the top 10 values employers look for in employees. They are: Strong Work Ethic, Dependability and Responsibility, Positive Attitude, Adaptability, Honesty and Integrity, Self-Motivated, Motivated to Grow & Learn, Strong Self-Confidence, Professionalism, and Loyalty. The values are taught in Scripture and have always been important. It is funny that in hard times people begin to discover them.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) has an inspiring story. I hope you will able to see these values in him. The reason he held them, even in spite of difficulties, is God.
“Johann Sebastian Bach was born into the musical family of Bachs in 1685. By the age of ten, both of his parents were dead. Early in his friction-filled life, young Johann determined he would write music … music for the glory of God … and this he did.
Most of Bach’s works are explicitly Biblical. Albert Schweitzer referred to him as The fifth evangelist, thus comparing him to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. At age 17 Bach became the organist at the church; soon thereafter he was given charge of the entire music ministry.
During his ministry in Weimar, Germany he wrote a new cantata every month … EVERY MONTH! And during one three-year period he wrote, conducted, orchestrated, and performed (with his choir and orchestra) a new cantata every week!
No one had any idea what a mark Bach would leave. His legacy lives on some 300 years later. You can hear his music at will.
At the beginning of every authentic manuscript one will find the letters “J.J.” This stands for Jesu Java (Jesus help me). At the end of each original manuscript you will find the letters “S.D.G.” This stands for Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God).
Bach is a reminder that one who gives his life to Jesus and serves Him does not count it a loss. Mk 8:35 “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
How do you start and finish each day? May it be for the glory of God!
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord,
Forgive me for taking this precious gift of life for granted. Help me to accomplish all that I do for your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.