If a man doesn't work he shouldn't eat!

What an anomaly! It is time we were all honest regarding this statement. I personally believe it is not only a biblical principle but a non-Christian principle.  I was speaking with Mr. Willie Morrow publisher of the San Diego Monitor and an expert chemist in hair care product development on this very subject. We are agreed that we are willing to accept that there is a high level of unemployment across the country we also agreed that a percentage, I’ll even take the liberty of saying a high percentage, are unemployed because the job they want is not available, so if not that then they’re not willing to accept anything. Another good friend of mine Kenya Edison stated, “I tell people to take the job they can while waiting on the job they want.” Wow what a concept – work whatever job is available while waiting on the dream job you’d like or prefer.

It’s time we all hold all able bodies accountable for themselves, their families, and their livelihood. This might be what one calls tough love. When the scripture addresses this issue of working being synonymous with eating or the right of one to eat, while true back in the day it really referenced men in general as they had the sole financial responsibility of the family, or the unmarried woman remained with her family, meaning the father had the responsibility of providing for her, until she married, today this scripture speaks to mankind – male and female. Able body people can work. Able body people should work. Able body people who are not actively seeking work should not expect other people to feed them, house them or cloth them. Now let me make myself perfectly clear – I am willing to help those who
have exhausted all recourses because that’s the right thing to do. The bible states the poor you will always have. This was a reference to those who had no other recourse, not those who refused work because it just wasn’t what they were really willing to do. Let’s face it there are some out there who are just plain lazy and won’t work. The bible states that a man is worse than an infidel (one who rejects God), who doesn’t take care of his own.

Now someone out there is saying “I make more on unemployment than I would if I accepted one of those jobs.” I get that and that makes sense. The subsequent question is – what do you do when it runs out if you have not found that “want” job? Just maybe some will have to work two “can” jobs while waiting on that one “want” to job. Bottom line we are living in a time where the economy is having its challenge conversely families are struggling. We must put pride aside and do what is best for our families. We must show our children how to function in uncertain times that while we trust

God to provide we stay committed to ensuring that our family needs are met. I for one am done with making loans, that don’t get paid back anyway, to people who are making the conscious decision to be particular in what they will or won’t do to make ends meet. I ask you, why should I give of my hard earned money, when no different from them I do “can” jobs while waiting on the “want” and they’re not willing to do whatever it takes? Borrowing form people should be their absolute last recourse and not the first. And it should only be the last when they have absolutely exhausted all other avenues to gainful employment. 

Furthermore we must also avail ourselves to resources that are available to us. Stop allowing pride to get in the way and accept the resources that will assist your family while you wait on that “want” job.

Here are some helpful tips to utilize while you wait on that “want” job:

1.      Be honest with your family members. The entire family must pull together during this time. This will help all adjust their personal expectations and move into the realm of realism.

2.      If you’ve been a name brand shopper there are ways to honor some of that – think outlets, thrift shops, discount stores, etc. Better yet don’t let the name brand dictate your value or your existence.

3.      Hone up on your skills. Has the industry changed and job force changed? Take some classes that will increase your marketability.

4.      Become creative. Are there some skills and talents you have that you can create a small business opportunity that will supplement your income? Who knows maybe that talent will blossom into something permanent. (ie. Mechanics, cleaning, catering, crafts, lawn, janitorial). These work aptitudes can be maneuvered around another “can” job.

5.      Take a look at your spending habits and be honest as a family where you can realistically cut back.

6.      This is the perfect time for family time and rediscovering the simple things, like parks, beaches, museums, talks at the dinner table, picnics, and board games. We’ve forgotten how to enjoy each other without spending a grip of money.

7.      Be encouraged. This is not a time for you to make your family feel that your lives lack, but a time for them to understand cyclical changes and the sovereign ness of God, His wisdom, His provisions. Be like Paul “Whatever financial state I find myself in I have learned to be content.”

This list isn’t meant to be exhaustive it’s meant to help you mine your way through these times with some finesse. In closing if you want to eat then work!