The Perks of Productivity: One Year Bible Reading for January 30

 Today we read the following passages in the One Year Bible:

Exodus 10:1-12:13
Matthew 20:1-28
Psalm 25:1-15
Proverbs 6:6-11

And let's look at the verses from Proverbs. Go to the ant, you sluggard! it says. And that's good advice. Ants are (for the most part) very hard working, industrious little critters. We should look at their example of working hard and see how good it is for us.

Working hard has many benefits, of course. You earn good pay. You have self-respect. You probably, at least eventually, enjoy what you do. You have a sense of accomplishment. And you avoid the feelings of sluggishness and shame that come from laziness.

Of course, we want to keep our industry at a healthy level. It's also important to rest. It's good to remember that one of the ten commandments actually tells us to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy - and to rest. God wants us to be industrious - look to the ant! - but He doesn't want us to fall into workaholism. A healthy balance between work and leisure is our goal.

God, thanks for reminding us that hard work is good for us - and so is rest.