October 2008 article in Shrink Rap

 

How about a month away from your job? Most of us drool over such a thought - as long as the paychecks continue to come. "A vacation is just what the doctor ordered," we'd say. Time away from our routine can have beneficial, refreshing effects.

 

Thousands have been given time away from their work in recent months, but the time has not been viewed as enjoyable. The unemployment rate in the U.S. has been over 9 percent for 16 months in a row, a clear sign of a struggling economy. Those who have been laid off, either temporarily or permanently, have experienced an extreme change of lifestyle.

 

Part of that change is obvious. Granted, there are unemployment benefits that keep some money coming. But that doesn't represent 100% of one's salary, and many make financial commitments that use up nearly all of their working income. There are serious financial hurdles to clear while unemployed.

 

There's another aspect to unemployment that's not often recognized: the psychological effects. Arthur H. Goldsmith, economics professor at Washington & Lee University, spoke to this challenge in an October 2008 article in "Shrink Rap". People who are unemployed begin questioning their own value, he stated, wondering if it was some personal defect that led to their dismissal. He wrote about "... the erosion of self esteem, which is such a very important part of our psychological well being." (http://www.tricitypsychology.com/blog/the-psychological-effects-of- joblessness/#ixzz0z2hXRFSA)

 

The conclusion this writer draws from Goldsmith's statement, as well as from frequent personal observations, is simple: People have a need to be useful. If they feel their skills or talents are not needed, depression is not far behind. (The elderly are also often prone to this feeling.)

 

Jesus included the unemployed in one of His parables. A man who owned a vineyard had a great need for workers. Late in the day he found a group of day laborers who had not been hired. When the end of the day came they were paid the same amount as those who had worked all day (Matthew 20:1-16). That's the kind of employer we'd all like to have. But where do you find them?!

 

Don't miss the larger point of what Jesus taught. God is seeking to employ anyone who is willing to use what they have for the sake of the kingdom. Listen to these words of Jesus: "And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42). Not much skill is required to give refreshing drinks of water to others, but it's a job that will be rewarded by the Lord.

 

Do you feel you have no talents that the Lord could use? Think again. "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10). "Each one" has received some talent or ability. We can be useful to the Lord. We are valuable in His sight.

 

Many who are unemployed in the world will not be able to find a position that can use their skills. But those who come to Jesus will find a role they can fill in the most wonderful work of all. Jesus can put you to work. He needs you. But you need Him far more.

 

Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss these ideas further.

 

Timothy D. Hall