An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.
2 Timothy 2:5-6
In the ancient ideal of athletics, there was honor in competing well. An athlete wasn’t necessarily judged by winning or losing, but by preparation, discipline, competing according to the rules and effort. Yes, there were winners who were honored with laurel leaves to distinguish that they were the champions. However, to cheat was the cause of great dishonor. There was no getting around rules or taking shortcuts (steroids) when it came to competing or preparing to compete.
In today’s athletic world, people are looking for any edge possible, even if it pushes boundaries or violates rules. It’s like a “win at all costs” mentality, even if that means winning with dishonor. St. Paul, in his Second Epistle to Timothy, mentioned that “an athlete is now crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5) This reinforces the idea that the pre-requisite to being recognized as a champion is fair play.
In many ways, today’s work environment has become like an athletic contest. Of course, we work expecting money in return, just like the athlete competes, hoping to win. No athlete wants to lose and no worker doesn’t want to take home a good salary. However, in the pursuit of money, many people have forgotten that there is virtue in working. God has given each of us a talent that is supposed to be used in TWO ways, not one. We have an ability to do something that allows us to put food on our tables. And each of us has a way to contribute in a positive way to the world. Farmers assure we have food to eat, doctors help us stay healthy, traffic controllers keep us safe when we fly, etc. I’ve written many times that our jobs should be considered ministries. Not only are they opportunities to make money but to serve those around us.
When we accept a job, we accept an offer to work for a certain amount of money. In essence, we are selling our time for a certain amount. Many people feel like they are worth more than they are being paid. However, people enter into jobs and accept financial packages voluntarily. If someone is really uncomfortable with what they are being paid, they should look for a different job, not just check out of their current job. Once one has accepted a job, one should value those associated with that job–co-workers, clients, customers. We should do this, because there is nobility in work. Virtually every job involves another person either being a co-worker or a beneficiary of one’s work. If Christ tells us that the two great commandments are to love God and love our neighbor, then our jobs provide an opportunity to love and serve our neighbor if we see them as ministries. Lots of people complain that they are underpaid. If that idea prohibits people from feeling like they can “serve” in a job, the best advice is to find a way to change jobs. However, once one has accepted a job, or accepted that they can’t make more in another job, rather than be disgruntled, they should see work as ministry and service.
It’s interesting that St. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:6, that “it is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.” This seems to support the old adage that “if you don’t work, you don’t eat.” It is also intentional that St. Paul uses the descriptive “hard-working” to refer to those who should receive the first share of the crops. Not everyone gets an equal share. The one who is working receives preference over the one who is not. (As an aside, there are people who do not work for a wage. There can’t be any more important than being a stay-at-home mom or dad. Some people take care of children, while others are taking care of aging parents. There is nobility there too, because this job is a lot of work, even though one doesn’t get a paycheck for taking care of parents. People who are retired don’t take a paycheck, but they can still work—there are ample opportunities to volunteer in our parishes and communities.)
There is not only nobility, but a sense of Godliness when one sees his or her work, whatever they are doing, as a ministry, as an opportunity to serve God by serving others. As we continue our discussion on good works, it is important to note that work is good, it is actually virtuous in the eyes of God when it is done with discipline, intentionality, purpose and joy, and when it is done in a way that honors others. Just as an athlete is not crowned unless he or she competes according to the rules, God will not crown the worker who does not work diligently. It is important to remember that God crowns effort, not success. So if one is not successful but makes a great effort, this is pleasing to God. And if one finds success (including financial success) without effort, or by cheating and not working hard, or well, success with inappropriate effort will not please God.
To Thee, O Lord, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if Thou be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the Pit. Hear the voice of my supplication, as I cry to Thee for help, as I lift up my hands towards Thy most holy sanctuary. Take me not off with the wicked, with those who are workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors, while mischief is in their hearts. Requite them according to their work, and according to the evil of their deeds; requite them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. Because they do not regard the works of the Lord, or the work of His hands, He will break them down and build them up no more. Blessed be the Lord! For He has heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my son I give thanks to Him. The Lord is the strength of His people, He is the saving refuge of His anointed. O save Thy people, and bless Thy heritage; be Thou their shepherd, and carry them forever. Psalm 28
There is virtue in work!
