Congratulations to our young people of Cedar Key who are graduating from High School and making choices regarding the next phase of life. We are all proud of the accomplishments of those who studied, worked and practiced. We all expect to hear many good things from this group.
Now many young people are still undecided about what to do next with their talents, education, energy and dreams. We know from the Bible that God assigned our first human ancestors the job of being farmers. "Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. – The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." (Genesis 2:8-9, 15 NIV)
Even in the paradise of Eden, there was work to do. Paradise is not being totally laid back with freedom to simply do as you please twenty-four hours a day. True paradise is being employed with work that brings personal fulfillment and provides for daily sustenance.
The work of farming on a small scale or a grand scale is always difficult. Because of the long hours and hard work, many young people leave the farms and seek employment in the urban areas of the world. There is dignity in work. Just in doing some work, a person will enjoy a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
Some people who go into farming will want to learn more about the science of agriculture. A close relative chose to study Agricultural Engineering at Auburn University. Upon graduation during WW2, it was not life on the family dairy farm, but a commission as a Lt. in the U.S. Army. Then came a time of heroic service in Europe with many injuries. After the war, this man did not go back to the farm, but used his education and experiences to have a successful career in a service industry.
Young man or woman, you may not know exactly what you want to do with your life at this time. However – you will benefit greatly by pursuing higher education, military service, or other public service. The world is your garden. Work it and take care of it and you will receive many unexpected rewards from your labors. You may choose to be a clam farmer instead of a dirt farmer. In either case, God will reward your positive plans and hard work.
When you sit down to work on your plan of action for achieving your goals, please remember that God created you for work. God rewards us according to the manner of our work. It is not a healthy thing to worry and fret about where you are going to get money for food, clothing and shelter. God promises that when we seek Him first, He will make sure we have everything we need. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:33,34 NIV)
Choose a life of industry instead of a life of ease. Industrious people are happier in the long run than those who are concerned about which is the best tanning lotion, or what popcorn to eat while stretched out on the sofa channel surfing.
You are invited to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com. | 