Biscuits of Gold OR Tablets of Stone

Biscuits of Gold

OR

Tablets of Stone

My intentions were clear- secure a secular job, earn to the fullest of my capacity. And yet not be in breach of the fourth commandment.

There are several jobs that pay you really well, however Sabbath keeping becomes a challenge often for the Adventist Christians.  And in most instances you may get off on Saturdays; however Fridays become an issue then.  But take a look at the God’s ways for the diligent who do not wish to forsake the Sabbath.  Having prayed earnestly for about a month, God finally opened me a door into an international insurance company that required me to work Mondays through Fridays only.  Having said that, I finished work by one-thirty in the afternoon (Read Rev.3:8 – the Lord’s promise).  I had been a fool many times;   asking my bosses weekly offs on Fridays.  They would chuck my requests with a grin.  I knew I was being funny, but had to keep trying.  And while in pursuit of this job I had confidently turned down two very lucrative offers which compelled my recruiting HR to say, “Look, you have turned down our offers twice. If you refuse this time, you’ll never be able to appear for an interview with us anymore.”  Interview went on, and lo, I got just what I had wanted.  Coming home I shared this with my wife over dinner. Both were very pleased. I joined work the very next day.

Right after my graduation, I had opted to secure a secular job with a lucrative package; I needed to rebuild the half constructed (almost abandoned) house my father could never finish. His entire savings (a meager Rs.40, 000.00) from his 27 years of service in the mission dwindled away, and had nothing left. (Ironically that’s only an average monthly income these days.) My father died wistfully of his unaccomplished wishes. So, I was pitted on fulfilling my wishes- to rebuild that abandoned house.  Well, I know of many who have succeeded in acquiring wealth through such jobs.  But I wonder really how much of quality time they’ve had with their families- they probably never sat together for familial issues and/or prayers.

Since the onset of my career I have always faced petty predicaments-to be part of Friday night shindigs, office luncheons on Saturdays to special works during weekends at double the usual wage. Have stayed away from all of these which established a curiosity among my colleagues to come and witness our church.  One such friend found herself a life-partner from our church. It’s a blessing I feel to share our beliefs among other people.

Know one thing- although we live on this earth, we belong to another realm- kingdom of heaven. You are a chosen people; you live under the rules of the Govt. of Heaven.  This world may give you money that easily fetch you those biscuits of gold you may want to invest your monies in. however, it may not teach you to respect the fourth commandment inscribed on those tables of stone.  What’s it you looking for, wealth? Look at the story of Job- our Bill Gates of the biblical era. God can give much more than the world gives- something which this world can never give- eternal life!