Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Labor - A Divine Responsibility
2 Thessalonians 3:7-13
Philip Mathew


St. James MTC, NY

9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.

Can you relate to a time when you were hungry, weren’t interested in cooking, and didn’t want to move? The good news is that there are numerous apps that allow us to order food right to our door without lifting more than a finger, or expending much energy. This means that a 2,000-calorie medium pizza can effortlessly be consumed with minimal effort.
 As a result, most of us take it for granted the effort needed to prepare a meal. Some of us may continue on this path and even find ourselves with a few unwanted pounds and in a state of sedentary agitation. This is a state where we are concerned and want to make a change but ultimately fail to make any changes. Let’s shift the focus on tackling the state of spiritual sedentary agitation.
 Most of us have been fortunate to be nurtured in an environment bursting at the seams with Christian values within our Marthoma community. Many of us have also been gifted with numerous talents that can be utilized at multiple levels of outreach. One question we can personally reflect on is how, if at all, we are using our talents to nurture and support the Christian journey of those surrounding us. Being spiritually sedentary has ill effects not only for us as individuals, but also for the community of people who miss out on our contributions.
 As I conclude, it is important to recognize that today is in fact Labor Day – which is a day to reflect on the strength, prosperity, and wellbeing of workers who have contributed toward their country. Let us challenge ourselves, spiritually and physically, to become a model of Christian values within our communities rather than remain sedentary.

PRAYER

Merciful Lord, allow us to recognize and utilize the talents we’ve been given in accordance to your teachings.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“May the optimism of tomorrow, be the foundation for today.” Olubowale Victor Akintimehin (Wale) 


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