Sunday, 31 May 2009
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Feeling the pinch?
The Problem
The BBC reports that 50% of UK workers report feeling stressed, and 20% are suffering from depression. The data from a survey of UK employees suggests that this is due to the increased stress associated with the current economic down turn.
A third of employees reported that they were offering to take on more responsibility at work, to help make their jobs more secure.
In response to questions on health issues, half reported that they suffered from insomnia, 30% said they suffered from migraines, and a fifth reported anxiety attacks and palpitations. 90% of Gp's polled predicted that stress-related illness will be the most critical occupational health issue of 2009.
All in all it makes for concerning reading, as eventually this level of stress related illness will come home to roost, not just in the direct cost on individual lives, but also financially, as lost productivity levels, and health care costs rise as a result. A huge cost by any measurement when these findings are extrapolated globally.
This 'cost' is particularly saddening when we realise that the current global financial crisis has it's roots in man's pursuit of material wealth. The aim was to create wealth for people, so that people could live better lives, but the desire to do a good thing was eclipsed by greed. Common sense and prudence were ignored in the pursuit of ever greater profits. The economic powerhouses in the world encouraged people to take on financial burdens that they could not bear, with disastrous consequences.
The Answer
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus' words contain some very pertinent lessons;
- First and foremost, the lesson that work is important. The yolk referred to in the verse was a yolk used in day-today work. Work brings a range of benefits, self worth, food on the table and a roof over people's heads. Jesus words show that he wants to be involved in our working lives.
- When we work shoulder to shoulder with Jesus, then we share a common burden with him, His burden. This sharing of the right burden, with the right person means that we find something extraordinary -rest in the midst of this work.
When we choose to be yolked to Jesus, and to allow His wisdom to guide us, we find that life's burdens are bearable. If the Bankers and chancellors of the World had followed this model as they developed their business strategies we'd be in a far better place economically than we are now.
Walking shoulder to shoulder with Jesus helps us keep a right sense of proportion, which would have helped to remind us that money is there to serve us, and not the other way round. When money takes the lead problems always follow, when we submit to Jesus and allow Him to lead then good things follow. Let us set and example to those around us by sharing Jesus yolk gladly, and sharing Jesus gladly with our fellow workers.
The BBC reports that 50% of UK workers report feeling stressed, and 20% are suffering from depression. The data from a survey of UK employees suggests that this is due to the increased stress associated with the current economic down turn.
A third of employees reported that they were offering to take on more responsibility at work, to help make their jobs more secure.
In response to questions on health issues, half reported that they suffered from insomnia, 30% said they suffered from migraines, and a fifth reported anxiety attacks and palpitations. 90% of Gp's polled predicted that stress-related illness will be the most critical occupational health issue of 2009.
All in all it makes for concerning reading, as eventually this level of stress related illness will come home to roost, not just in the direct cost on individual lives, but also financially, as lost productivity levels, and health care costs rise as a result. A huge cost by any measurement when these findings are extrapolated globally.
This 'cost' is particularly saddening when we realise that the current global financial crisis has it's roots in man's pursuit of material wealth. The aim was to create wealth for people, so that people could live better lives, but the desire to do a good thing was eclipsed by greed. Common sense and prudence were ignored in the pursuit of ever greater profits. The economic powerhouses in the world encouraged people to take on financial burdens that they could not bear, with disastrous consequences.
The Answer
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus' words contain some very pertinent lessons;
- First and foremost, the lesson that work is important. The yolk referred to in the verse was a yolk used in day-today work. Work brings a range of benefits, self worth, food on the table and a roof over people's heads. Jesus words show that he wants to be involved in our working lives.
- When we work shoulder to shoulder with Jesus, then we share a common burden with him, His burden. This sharing of the right burden, with the right person means that we find something extraordinary -rest in the midst of this work.
When we choose to be yolked to Jesus, and to allow His wisdom to guide us, we find that life's burdens are bearable. If the Bankers and chancellors of the World had followed this model as they developed their business strategies we'd be in a far better place economically than we are now.
Walking shoulder to shoulder with Jesus helps us keep a right sense of proportion, which would have helped to remind us that money is there to serve us, and not the other way round. When money takes the lead problems always follow, when we submit to Jesus and allow Him to lead then good things follow. Let us set and example to those around us by sharing Jesus yolk gladly, and sharing Jesus gladly with our fellow workers.
Britains got talent...working on a dream.
The EA's Friday Night Theology article for this week; "Working on a dream" contains some food for thought, and prayer. It reminds us that Jesus was a story teller, telling stories with a purpose and for a good reason, people relate to stories. Stories are a great way of communicating complex ideas in a compelling and inspirational way.
The article points out that in tough times, dreamers and story tellers come to the fore. Such people are often found leading the way to change, when people are disillusioned with the current status quo. Stories help paint a picture of the future, showing how life can be different in the future, helping people to see things differently.
The Church needs to learn from the example of Jesus and to find ways of telling the Kingdom story in ways that people today can relate to. We need pray and ask Father to release the prophetic message of the Kingdom afresh.
We need to see the Church's story tellers, poets, and artists come to the fore at this time to present the people around us with a new vision of the future. The economic problems and the vacuum of leadership caused by the greed of some in Parliament, presents the Church with a great opportunity to present the Nation with a fresh vision of how life can be with Good at the helm.
Pray for those that God has gifted as tellers of the Kingdom story, ask God to refresh your telling of your testimony. Ask Father to make you bold to tell your story - A personal testimony is often the most powerful story in reaching others with Father's love. Don't think my story is not as dramatic as others I've heard - We are called to tell our personal tale, trust me your story is more powerful than you think, after all it's about you and the Almighty God!!
The article points out that in tough times, dreamers and story tellers come to the fore. Such people are often found leading the way to change, when people are disillusioned with the current status quo. Stories help paint a picture of the future, showing how life can be different in the future, helping people to see things differently.
The Church needs to learn from the example of Jesus and to find ways of telling the Kingdom story in ways that people today can relate to. We need pray and ask Father to release the prophetic message of the Kingdom afresh.
We need to see the Church's story tellers, poets, and artists come to the fore at this time to present the people around us with a new vision of the future. The economic problems and the vacuum of leadership caused by the greed of some in Parliament, presents the Church with a great opportunity to present the Nation with a fresh vision of how life can be with Good at the helm.
Pray for those that God has gifted as tellers of the Kingdom story, ask God to refresh your telling of your testimony. Ask Father to make you bold to tell your story - A personal testimony is often the most powerful story in reaching others with Father's love. Don't think my story is not as dramatic as others I've heard - We are called to tell our personal tale, trust me your story is more powerful than you think, after all it's about you and the Almighty God!!
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