[The Mayor]

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

No Authority?
October 4, 2011

When the deck behind our house began caving in, I knew its repair would exceed my abilities. So I made some calls, got some bids, and picked a builder to construct a new deck.

Once the contractor was done, I took a close look at his work and noticed some problems. Seeking a second opinion, I called the local building inspector and got a surprise. The deck guy had not obtained a building permit. Working without official oversight, he had violated many points of the building code.

This incident reminded me of an important truth (other than asking to see the building permit): We often do less than our best if we don’t have any accountability to the authority over us.

In Scripture, we see this principle explained in two of Jesus’ parables (Matt. 24:45-51; 25:14-30). In both cases, at least one unsupervised worker failed when the master was gone. But then we see a different approach in Proverbs 6. We see the example of the ant, which does good work without a visible supervisor. It intrinsically does its work without being monitored.

What about us? Do we do good work only when someone is watching? Or do we recognize that all our service is for God, and so do our best at all times—even when no human authority is watching?

God sees and knows the work we do:
Our faithfulness He will reward;
With His authority in view,
Let’s do our best for Christ the Lord. —Hess

No matter who your boss is, you are really working for God.

Read: Proverbs 6:6-11

Consider [the ant’s] ways and be wise, which, having no . . . ruler, provides her supplies . . . and gathers her food. —Proverbs 6:6-8

Bible in a year:
Isaiah 20-22; Ephesians 6

[MEG33]

Good Morning To Amy's Place

Wishing you a delightful fall day
Healing prayers lifted for all my hurting FRiends

[JustAmy]

Good morning, Rus. Thank you for today's lesson.

I especially found it inspiring since I chose today's Opener prior to reading ODB this morning.

"Consider [the ant’s] ways and be wise, which, having no . . . ruler,
provides her supplies . . . and gathers her food. —Proverbs 6:6-8"

Thank you and have a great day, Rus.

[geologist]

Where money is concerned, we tend to look for cost cutting ways of getting a good product without paying higher prices.

Temptation? Recently the refrigerator let the ice cream melt! A serious situation! It turned out to be a $450.00 repair. The service man said, when I queried it might be a better idea to buy another refrigerator,” the quality you'll get now is nowhere near the quality of the one you have.” This is true of many things. I agreed to pay for the repairs ... the automatic defroster quit working, etc., Knowing what is a good investment and what is over spending is a constant dilemma.
Everyone has to make a living doing some work.

Teach a man to fish and you'll feed him for a lifetime ... is the wise choice.

What we know of God, his Word, and how to follow his instructions for a good life ... it is our responsibility to go and tell our brethren.

We have been authorized to tell our brethren what we know of God and Jesus Christ. In word, act, and deed.

Ice Cream is important!

[oldteen]

Good afternoon, Mayor.

No matter who your boss is, you are really working for God

Very true. Sad to say, many have never learned that..or so it seems!

Thank you for bringing His Word to us daily!