Work : The Value of Work in God’s Plan 11-29-15

OBJECTIVE: Understand the importance of work, including employment, and be able to apply its principles

PRINCIPLE 1: Work is a Godly principle and practice

DISCUSSION A: What does it mean to work? 

From the Church Handbook of Instructions, we learn: “The Savior has commanded the Church and its members to be self-reliant and independent. …

“To become self-reliant, a person must work. Work is physical, mental, or spiritual effort. It is a basic source of happiness, self-worth, and prosperity. Through work, people accomplish many good things in their lives. …

“As people become self-reliant, they are better prepared to endure adversities” and are “better able to care for others in need.” 1

President Marion G. Romney (1897–1988) taught: “Without self-reliance one cannot exercise these innate desires to serve. How can we give if there is nothing there? Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves. Money to assist the needy cannot come from an empty purse. Support and understanding cannot come from the emotionally starved. Teaching cannot come from the unlearned. And most important of all, spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually weak.” 2 (See also p.  of this magazine.)

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) said: “The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.

DISCUSSION B: If work is physical, mental, or spiritual effort, list at least ten different kinds of work.  Answers might include: 1. Employment or a job, 2 cleaning the house or yard, 3. fixing something broken, 4. studying a school lesson or homework, 5. Reading a novel, 6. exercising, 7. Studying the gospel, 8. Doing missionary or temple work, 9. Visiting friends, neighbors, and members of the church, 10. Fulfilling callings….etc.  In other words, “work” is not just physical labor.

DISCUSSION C: Using the examples listed above, how does work help us, refine us, and help us grow?  Answers may include:

1. Helps keep us physically healthy.  (How?)

2. Helps keep us mentally healthy. (How?

3. Helps keep us emotionally healthy. (How?)

4. Helps keep us spiritually healthy.  (How?)

DISCUSSION D. Why did God say to Adam that the ground would be cursed “for his sake?”  Was this a punishment or a blessing, or both.  (List possible answers.)

PRINCIPLE 2:  (For Adults) Work, for many years of our lives involves employment.  However, our need to work does not diminish when we retire or become disabled. 

DISCUSSION A: (For Adults) What are some of ways in which we can continue to work if we are:

           a. Retired?

             b. Disabled or elderly?

          

PRINCIPLE 3:   (For Youth) It is important to learn the principle of work during our youth.

At what age should we begin to learn the principles of work? Answer: From infancy……… The work required to accomplish tasks in life allows us to grow and develop at any age.

Principle 4: The principle of work requires we develop skills and abilities.

DISCUSSION: What are some of the skills required of a good worker or employee regardless of age or type of work.

  Answers might include:

1. Willingness or desire to do a good job

2. Timeliness (Be on time, schedule your work, get the work done on time.)

3. Maintain proper appearance (Depending on the type of job, be dressed appropriately.)

4. Be eager to learn duties in a way that doesn’t require you to be told what to do for every step of the job.

5. Be thorough and complete in finishing duties.

6. Be responsible to clearly understand duties and to give feedback and communicate whatever is necessary.

7. Teamwork – most jobs involve working with others – learn how to cooperate and work with others.

8. …..

9…….

10…….

SUMMARY:  Begin to consider how each of us might develop more positive work habits.  (Have class members take a moment and reflect on how they can improve their work habits in any of the areas of work:

Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual…….  If prompted, ask for someone to share a goal from their list.)

Bear your personal testimony of the value of work.