The beauty of 'duty,' and 'due diligence.' 

Labor Day Weekend is almost here. How does scripture approach the subject of physical labor? Unfortunately, 'get rich quick (and easy)' schemes have become part of Christian circles, due in no small part to the emphasis in evangelicalism of a 21st century western-world view of 'prosperity' and 'success.'

There is honor in honest labor. The Apostle Paul talked about working with our hands and finding contentment in that process. We can't really understand Paul's approach to contentment without a discussion of his fascination with accomplishment.

One of the politically correct catch-phrases now centers on 'self-esteem.' An integral ingredient in the process of self-esteem development is accomplishment. Accomplishment begins a process of successes, upon which we establish and attach values.

Another ingredient vital to the assessing of value to our accomplishment is our approach to 'duty' and giving, or doing, 'due diligence.'

We have lost a vital component in our society, and by extension, within the Christian community, of personal obligation - responsibility - 'duty!'

There are opportunities for service to the world around us that we ought to do merely because it is our duty. We should pick up litter when we see it because it is our duty. We should assist someone in need because it is our duty. We should be involved in our kids/grandkids schools because it is our duty. We should be active in our community because it is our duty.

We should actively involve ourselves in the needs of those with us in the community of Christ because it is our duty.

We should do our duty with diligence. We owe that to those around us.

If we practice doing our duty with the diligence that each need and situation is due - we will have automatically, by virtue of the process, attached real value to the effort. 

THAT, my friends, creates 'self-esteem.' Our failure to teach to our children, by example and by word, this obligation of duty is crippling them and the community and the church.

Now, "He who knows to do good and doesn't do it is sinning." That's what the Bible says.

So, get out there and diligently do your duty wherever you are needed.