(Deu 25:4) "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.
Occasionally to aid with tasks I lack the knowledge of how to do or would require more manpower than my family can provide, I employ workers from off the farm. Usually these are neighbors, family members, or friends.
One of the things I feel strongly about is the line from the Old Testament where it speaks of muzzling the ox. I don't have an ox, I don't use one to tread grain and I don't own a muzzle. So how does this verse apply to me? Well, I think Paul reiterated this to Timothy in the New Testament to further our own understanding.
Those who work in our employ are added to our strength. It is a blessing to have them. We are honored by their service, even though we pay them for their labors. I like to make sure they are paid what they are worth, but my additional belief is that they should be treated well while they are in your employ. If a worker is here at breakfast time, I always try to offer them coffee. If they are here at lunch or dinner I offer them lunch or dinner. These are little things, but I think they are important. I think in these ways, as well as more monetary ways, we show obedience to God in honoring the workers who have been sent to aid us.
2 comments:
Maybe it's an agrarian thing, but out in the boondocks where I live there is no question about this sort of thing. If I'm working for a neighbor or they are working for me or a stranger shows up (Gen 18:1-8) we automatically go in together for coffee or a meal. What does it say about society when this behavior has to be learned.
Farmboy, it says that most humans have lost the capacity to be treat their fellow man decently. It is not just "in the boondocks" that this should be practiced. When a friend comes over to help me with something it is my responsibility to feed them. Maybe it was just how I was raised. Maybe it's because people have become so focused on themselves, they no longer think about anyone else.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Post a Comment