I pull into the urban strip center and enter the storefront with the sign "Anchor Box Co." I have run out of mailing bags and have come to buy a quantity supply at wholesale. This is a warehouse operation, not an air-conditioned store. Yet the young man who greets me seems genuinely happy. He even responds to grumblers with a smile. He never appears frustrated or angry, even when the line is long and patience is short. I have observed him now for more than a year. "You have really made an impression on me," I say. "Yours is not a particularly pleasant job, yet you always seem polite. Your … [Read more...]

A Christian professional student writes, "Proverbs 23:4 says not to weary yourself to obtain wealth. Does that rule out my accepting a job with a large firm that requires its associates to work 60-80 hours per week?" * * * I commend you for raising this question. God will help you decide the answer for yourself as you prayerfully consider some fundamental spiritual principles. Success in any endeavor is God's gift. "Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1). For that reason, it is futile to seek ultimate fulfillment in one's work. "It is vain for you to … [Read more...]

A gracEmail reader who works hard to do good and to help others feels sad and frustrated because his work often goes unnoticed, while others who seemingly do less work and do it less well receive public attention and praise. He asks how to find freedom from his disappointment and dismay. * * * Your experience and struggle are common for God's people. Perhaps the key (which I do not always properly use myself) is in doing our work "for the Lord" in the first place and at each step along the way. Then we need only his approval -- of which we may be sure when we have done our work with love and … [Read more...]

Yesterday I had two "new client" conferences. These are introductory sessions with clients whose cases my law firm has been unable to settle without filing a lawsuit and whose cause I will be representing as attorney through the process of litigation. In both cases, these clients seem clearly in the right, although their damages are so relatively small that litigation expenses will likely prevent any "in-pocket" recovery after paying medical bills. When the case is over, I will probably substantially reduce my contractual fees so the clients can net something for their trouble. The clients … [Read more...]

A young preacher who has just accepted a new position writes that when he first interviewed at the non-creedal church, he expressed his honest beliefs about the work of the Holy Spirit and concerning the role of women in the church which he knew were different from the church's traditional views. About half the church agrees with the preacher and half hold to the traditional understanding. The preacher puts a high priority on loving God and loving people. However, some members stated at a recent congregational meeting that "we believe [our traditional church] doctrine and if that doesn't work … [Read more...]

A sister in Mid-America writes that she loves her minister and his family but that the man is simply lazy. Wouldn't it be better, she asks, to divert the considerable sum of money paid in salaries to preachers every year to needy people or other good works? * * * Neither Scripture nor common sense encourages people to support someone who will not work, whether that individual stands behind a pulpit or sits quietly in a pew (2 Thes. 3:10-12). Since preachers are normal people, they manifest all the traits of human beings in general, both good and bad. While larger churches of most varieties … [Read more...]

A gracEmail subscriber writes that his son is interested in becoming an attorney. "Many people have a negative view of lawyers," notes the dad, "considering them to have but little concern for truth and justice if those things do not further their own agenda or personal gain." Can I offer any advice as a Christian attorney? * * * I know many lawyers who try to follow Jesus Christ and to do what is right. I know some others who do not. The same may be said concerning salespeople, business folk, industrialists, financiers and even career clergy. The practice of law offers unique opportunities … [Read more...]

A gracEmail subscriber writes that he is worn out in his work for God. He started a local church about a decade ago, and has no help in carrying it on. He preaches, leads singing, serves Communion, teaches Bible class and leads prayers. Can I offer any encouragement? * * * There are at least two reasons why you might be worn out. It might be that God has called you to the particular task you are doing, but that you are trying to accomplish it in your own strength. Or it might be that you are relying on God's strength, but in a work to which he has not actually called you. Dedicated … [Read more...]

A gracEmail subscriber enjoys his work as a teacher and counselor but can barely pay his bills. He has been offered a more lucrative sales position for which he does not feel particularly suited. "Should I continue to rely on the Lord's faithfulness," he asks, "or should I find a way to earn more money?" * * * As you pray and seek God's guidance, you might conclude that the new offer is a temptation to pull away from the job which God has called and gifted and equipped you to perform -- and which gives you great satisfaction. You might conclude that God's provisions, though unscheduled, are … [Read more...]

A gracEmail subscriber enjoys his work as a teacher and counselor but can barely pay his bills. He has been offered a more lucrative sales position for which he does not feel particularly suited. "Should I continue to rely on the Lord's faithfulness," he asks, "or should I find a way to earn more money?" * * * I know what it means to have a family, a job that barely pays the bills and no light at the end of the financial tunnel. That described my situation from 1972-1982, when God appeared to open a door for me to move from North Alabama to a new career in Texas. I think you are asking the … [Read more...]