“If this country is ever demoralized,
it will come from trying to live without work.”
~ Abraham Lincoln
Besides the brilliant sense of accomplishment, healthy lifestyle of physical activity and the sweetness of $avings, there is something morally and spiritually strengthening when involving oneself in old fashioned labor. It is the blessed business that keeps you out of everyone else's business.
"A life of full and constant employment is the only safe and happy one. If we suffer the mind and body to be unemployed, our enjoyments, as well as our labors, will be terminated. One of the minor uses of steady employment is, that it keeps one out of mischief; for truly an idle brain is the devil's workshop, and a lazy many the devil's bolster. To be occupied is to be possessed as by a tenant, whereas to be idle is to be empty; and when the doors of the imagination are opened, temptation finds a ready access, and evil thoughts come trooping in. It is observed at sea that men are never so much disposed to grumble and mutiny as when least employed. Hence an old captain, when there was nothing else to do, would issue the order to "scour the anchor."'
~ The Royal Path of Life, 1882
As the saying goes, "idle hands are the devil's workshop". How many busybodies would be unemployed the minute they were introduced to some old fashioned work and its blessed cousin called "industry"? At the end of day, they (or we) would be too exhausted to cause any mischief!
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."
~2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
Perhaps one reason that God created work for Adam and Eve, was to simply keep them out of trouble. Many of us may say we are very busy, too busy, in fact. But I do suggest that though we may be "busy", we are not being "industrious". Perhaps we are busy checking our emails, updating our social media accounts and chit-chatting on the phone. Although there is nothing wrong with any of these, when it is not mixed in with a goodly dose of work, one can slip and fall into the world of gossip, idleness and meddling.
The wholesome lifestyle of old fashioned labor keeps you productive, a blessing to your family and is even a testimony to your faith.
"And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully."
Ladies, let us keep ourselves "busy" with the good things in life, real "old fashioned labor" that produces tangible and blessed, beautiful fruit! Raising our children, feeding our minds with useful information, stocking our pantries, maintaining gardens, serving those in need, creative handiwork and so forth. These are the things which God smiles upon! It will transform you into a Titus-2 testimony. Old fashioned work, combined with a healthy dose of the "fear of the Lord", is what made the Proverbs 31 woman shine. And it will make you radiate, like a precious gem, to all who exist in your little world too!
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
She looketh well to the ways of her household,
and eateth not the bread of idleness."
~ Proverbs 31:10, 27
{Note: All these beautiful and nostalgic paintings were created by the talented Benjamin Wu.
This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Make Your Home Sing Monday, Good Morning Mondays, The Scoop, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Roses of Inspiration, Tuesdays with a Twist, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, Homestead Blog Hop, Wow Us Wednesdays, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Coffee and Conversation, So Much at Home, Homemaking Thursdays, Home Sweet Home, Home Acre Hop, From the Farm Blog Hop, Farmgirl Friday, Front Porch Friday Blog Hop, Awesome Life Friday Link Up, Simply Natural Saturdays and Clever Chicks Blog Hop. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.
What a Gorgeous Post, my Blessed friend !
ReplyDeleteHave a wonder-filled time with your beloved ones, and thank you, for everything !
With gratitude
Dany
Dear JES, Thank you very much for this serie! I need it today!
ReplyDeleteThe paintings are very beautiful!
Love from Carolien
This is so true Jes! It feels so good to do some real physical labor. Makes me sleep better also. The computer does try to draw me in but I try to remember to get off it as much as I can!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! I'm always amazed at the talent of these types of artists. Great post Jes! Hope you're having an awesome time with your family. Diane
ReplyDeleteDear Jes,
ReplyDeleteI hope you are having a lovely time away.I have really loved this series. It is so true. We were meant to be busy and working, not idle. And there is always work to do! It never ends! But our efforts make such a difference to our families! What a joy! It makes me so happy!
With love,
Annabel.xxx
"One of the minor uses of steady employment is, that it keeps one out of mischief; for truly an idle brain is the devil's workshop, and a lazy many the devil's bolster. "
ReplyDeleteAin't that the truth! Love the paintings and the sentiments.
Dear JES! Once again, you've blessed me with your beautifully woven post! You shared the truth in such gentle but firm way, encouraging each of us to pursue the Lord's calling on our lives... May we always strive to work faithfully and diligently, giving the devil no room to cause us to stumble and fall...
ReplyDeleteThank you so, so much!
And I love each of these incredible paintings - perfect for this post!
Blessings,
Kelly-Anne
Beautiful post, as always. That's why I have just nominated you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. Visit my blog's latest post to find out more. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI am so enjoying this series!
ReplyDeleteLittle House on the Prairie is my favorite show because I love their simple, hardworking lifestyle and the fear of the Lord that is shown through their demeanor and loving actions.
I was convicted by your statement, "But I do suggest that though we may be "busy", we are not being "industrious"." There certainly is a difference between busyness and industriousness.
Thank you so much for sharing such an edifying post!
Thank you
ReplyDeleteVery good thoughts on hard work! Thanks for writing about this topic and sharing it with us. :) I loved all of the artwork in this post. The pictures are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteVery true. And I love the paintings in this post!
ReplyDeleteI love this! When my father--in-law wanted to keep his boys busy they would move the wood pile from one end of the yard to the other. We do need more industriousness for our youth today! Especially those with little means.
ReplyDeletevery wise words and beautiful images.
ReplyDeleteI think I understand what you are trying to say - be careful of wasting time on things that don't matter. Personally I always prefer to work smarter, not harder; and if there is time to swim, walk, bike, etc. with my children I'd rather do that. I'm especially thankful that I do not have to work like those ladies are in the pictures - love my washing machine! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. I needed to read this right now.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the Homestead Blog Hop.
Very inspiring!
ReplyDelete