file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940613.txt
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Our Daily Bread                                         Monday, June 13 1994

                             THOSE DIRTY JOBS
Read: John 13:3-17

Wahtever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Before He became an outspoken critic of communist oppression, Milovan Djilas
was one of Yugoslavia's top marxists. Jailed in his early twenties for anti-
governmental activities, he took the repugnant task of smuggling part liter-
ature through through the prison sewer system. He was willing to perform such
a duty, he says, because "no job is dirty, low, or inconsequential."

If a communist who didn't believe in God could be so committed, we who serve
God, whose purpose is infinitely higher, ought to have a similar attitude. A
supreme motive enables us to perform the most menial labor with a sense of
devine mission. Christ, by washing his diciples' dirty feet, set an example
for us to follow (John 13).

If God's saving purposes are to be accomplished in this world, society must
function with predictable order. Somebody must collect garbage, work the
fields to provide food, and labor in factories to produce necessary goods.
Because of the inter-connectedness of life, we should be grateful for those
who do the drab and meaningful tasks.

If we follow the example of Christ, and if we do everything for the glory of
God, even the unpleasent chores take on dignity. -- VCG

                         Teach me to do the humble task
                               The very best I can,
                         And not to seek the higher place
                        That is not in your plan. -- Anon.

Bible in one year: Ecclesiates 10-12

Thought for the day:

Even the humblest work for the Lord is a high calling.


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