Artisanship and Your Family and Heritage

Message 2

Your Family and Work

What About Work and the Family

… Should your wife work?

… Should your children work?

Child 1

Child 1

Child 2

Artisanship and the Lifelong Pursuit of Wisdom

Part I Artisanship: Mastering Your Craft (3 messages)Part II The Skillful Life (6 messages)Part III The Lifelong Pursuit of Wisdom (2 messages)

Artisanship and the Lifelong Pursuit of Wisdom

Part I Artisanship: Mastering Your Craft (3 messages)

A Wisdom as Skill in Your Life and WorkB Artisanship and Your Family and HeritageC Discovering, Mastering, and Passing On a Life of

Wisdom

The 65 Questions

Wide Range of Questions

Divided into sets—8 sets, 65 questionsCheck questions of particular interest, importanceOur work is a “big issue.”First 3 messages: Build an answer on how to view your work.

Universal QuestionsThese are universal questions.They have been part of Western thought since Socrates and Plato.They are addressed in every world religion.Every world religion has a wisdom tradition.

As evangelicals, we are very confused about many of these questions.

We cannot live life to the fullest potential, being all that God intended for us, without formulating a solid, biblical understanding that under girds all of them.

Answering the 65 Questions

The individual questions are important, but a solid basic answer will answer them all at once.

Building a Basic Answer

Expanding Your Answer

Completing Your Answer

Answering the 65 Questions

Core Questions:

Is the enormous time I spend in work valuable? Should I try to become a master at my work? And am I to become a master of wisdom, or is that for professional pastors and counselors? Does my work really count?

Building a Basic Answer

Right up front we set forth our basic answer (we will build on it for 11 weeks).

Wisdom is skill in living and is the same stuff that makes up our skill in our work (profession, craft, art). It is to be pursued and it can be mastered to a significant level. We need it regardless of our work. We should seek to excel in our work, for it will bring broadened influence in this life—success. A heart of wisdom will give eternal permanence to the work of our hands, even mundane labor.

Building a Basic Answer

General Skill in Life—A Heart of Wisdom

Your Specific Skill (Art, Craft) in Life

Your Job, Work

Artisanship and Your Family and Heritage

Family—Psalm 127 and 128

Wife—Proverbs 31

Children—Proverbs 1–8

Family: Psalms 127 and 128

These are wisdom Psalms.

They provide a sort of framework for understanding work within the context of the family.

They are “songs of ascent” to be sung by Israelites as they journeyed to Jerusalem annually to visit the temple.

Psalms 120–133 are short and symmetrical, designed to give sort of a framework for life with God at the center!

Family: Psalm 1271  Unless the Lord builds the house,

its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city,

the watchmen stand guard in vain. 2  In vain you rise early

and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—

for he grants sleep to those he loves. 3  Sons are a heritage from the Lord,

children a reward from him. 4  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

are sons born in one’s youth. 5  Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame

when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Family: Psalm 128Work and the family are significant focuses in this psalm.

Issue = building a house

Involves: 1. work (toiling) 2. success (blessing) 3. heritage (brings in next generation; God’s family,

purposes)

Toiling/Sleepless nights It pictures work out of perspective, focus on security.

God wants to see a family get stronger in each generation.

Family: Psalm 1281 Blessed are all who fear the Lord,

who walk in his ways. 2  You will eat the fruit of your labor;

blessings and prosperity will be yours. 3  Your wife will be like a fruitful vine

within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots

around your table. 4  Thus is the man blessed

who fears the Lord. 5  May the Lord bless you from Zion

all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,

6   and may you live to see your children’s children.

Peace be upon Israel.

Family: Psalm 128

The family unit is in view—wife, sons

Implies productivity/promising future

A healthy, productive unit

Blessings and prosperity are one idea

Prosperity (3 ideas)1. productive, prosperous family 2. promising for future generations 3. robust people of God

Family: Psalm 128

As for work, in some way or other, every family member contributes to the success of the family. It gives the impression that the family is the core productive unit of the people of God.

If lined up with the purposes of God, the norm is for the family unit to prosper from generation to generation, getting strong with each generation.

Wife: Proverbs 31

Climax of Proverbs

King to son—the final thing is to pick a valiant wife.

She is key to blessing and prosperity. She is more valuable than an inheritance. She will enlarge his impact.

Wife: Proverbs 31

Outline

I. Her Value vv. 10–12

II. Her Work vv. 13–27

Expanding prosperity of home vv. 13–18

Benefiting the community vv. 20–27

III. Her Influence vv. 28–31

Praised by husband, family

Praised by community

Wife: Proverbs 3110  A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies. 11  Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value. 12  She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

Noble character—strength, efficiency, wealth, a force— used for army (BDB) competent (KB) best translated a powerful “competent strength”

Sort of a valiant person—heroic (like Ruth: 3:11; 2:10) She expanded her basic sphere because of her competency. “She emerges as an important contributor to the economy of family and community.”** Bruce Waltke, The Book of Proverbs (Eerdmans 2005)

Wife: Proverbs 3110  A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies. 11  Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value. 12  She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

Worth = purchase price, from word for merchantSuch a woman is rare!

19:14  Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

She has far more value than any human inheritance, and not just because people are valuable. We are talking economic value with balanced impact.

Wife: Proverbs 3113  She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands. 14  She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar. 15  She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

16  She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17  She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

18  She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

19  In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

Wife: Proverbs 3120  She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy. 21  When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22  She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23  Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24  She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25  She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come. 26  She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27  She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Wife: Proverbs 3128  Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her: 29  “Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.” 30  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.31  Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31 Money/Work Words

Worth/rubiesValueMerchant shipsBuys itHer earningsWorks vigorouslyTradingHands/makesSells themSupplies the merchantsEarnedWorksReward

This is what she teaches—Titus 3:3–5!

He’s influencing at the gates.

Everyone knows she is incredible!

Wife: Proverbs 31

If you examine her work it has 2 parts

The Base—the Family and Home

Watches affairs of household, husband undistracted (fine food, fine clothes, both husband and children praise her)

Expanding the Base

Economic base and social impact of household (trades land—vineyard; garments—merchants and poor)

Wife: Proverbs 31

This is what skill in living looks like.

When wisdom permeates our lives it will express itself in good work

• prosperous work

• meaningful work

• rewarding work

• intergenerational work

• praise and recognition

Wife: Proverbs 31

1. She was totally dedicated to her husband and her home as her base work.

2. All other work, paid and service oriented, grew out of and expanded that base.

3. Specific paid work was within the context of empowering her husband and expanding the success and impact of the home.

4. She was valiant like a warrior, entrepreneuring like a businessman, and serving like a public benefactor—all growing out of a “deep reservoir of strength” inspired by her fear of the Lord/wisdom.

Sons and Daughters and Wisdom

Listen My Son—2 Paths Prov. 1:8–9:18

Avoid the wrong men Avoid the wrong women

A Wise Son Prov. 10:1–22:17

375 proverbs A skillful life in detail

Pick a Valiant Wife Prov. 31:10–31

A more important choice than any you will make! It will influence everything.

Sons and Daughters

YouthNaive

FoolFool

Scoffer

Wise

Wiser

Father’s Exhortation“My son” . . (1:8; 2:1; 3:1; 4:10, 20; 5:20; 6:1, 20; 7:1)“Sons, listen to me . . (4:1; 5:7; 7:24; 8:32)1. Basic challenge—to stay on path of wisdom2. Basic warning—avoid:

• worthless men• strange women

Wisdom’s Inviting (Redemptive) Call1. 3 categories of people on wrong path:

naïve - fool - scoffer2. Aspects of the call

Proverbs 1:8–9:18

Sons and Daughters: Wisdom

1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

2  I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

3  When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,

4  he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.

Proverbs 4:1–4

Sons: Pursue Wisdom Above All

5  Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.

6  Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

7  Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

8  Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

9  She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”

Proverbs 4:5–9

Core Life Skills A Wise Son: Prov. 10:1–22:16

One leading a skillful life

…living harmoniously in community

…respect for authority & administration

…kinds of generations

…justice

…a habit of lifelong learning

…character development

• character types• character traits• mental acumen

…disciplined in work…honest & fair

practices…good use of

money

…well ordered home…an excellent wife…discipline of

children

…dealing wisely & fairly with people

…control of emotions & words

...handling conflict

My Son: Proverbs 10:1–22:16

Let’s get a feel for how work fits into the development of wisdom as a son or daughter.

Let’s just look at a few of the proverbs right at the beginning of the list.

My Son: Proverbs 10:1–5

The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.

2  Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.

3  The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

4  Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

5  He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

Children, Work, and Wisdom

Two basic ideas emerge

Build a good work ethic—Children need to learn the discipline of hard work.

65 topics: dependable, diligent, honest, ambitious/sluggard, work habits, use of money, etc.

Careful foundations in wisdom are neededBoth father and motherProverbs 1:8–9:18 exhortation

Men, Work, and Wisdom

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

1. We need to master our craft, it is part of living a skillful life and contributing to community life.

2. Yet we must place it in a larger context. We are building a house—a productive family unit now, a future generation, both serving the purposes of God.

3. Our craft stands alone as a useful service but never stands alone seperated from its larger value as a key tool in building our house.

Wives, Work, and Wisdom14:1  The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

1. All of her work is valuable: watching over the household for her husband; contributing to the financial prosperity/general wealth and enjoyment of the home; extending its reach into the community, etc.

2. All of that work will ultimately bring her praise, yet her higher motivation for her work is the success of her husband as he builds their house and carries out his leadership in the community.

3. All types of her work are part of her respect and honoring of God.

Children, Work, and Wisdom

1. How we build our house, including the skill of our craft, is part of shaping the lives of our children.

2. Training our children in wisdom in a way that challenges them to pursue wisom lifelong. It is a key part of shaping the success of their future work.

3. A critical part of this is building a good work ethic into them—avoiding the traits of a sluggard.

4. The essence of this is building discipline and habits of pursuing wisdom and learning to work.

Wisdom and Work

Proverbs 24:3–4  3 By wisdom a house is built,

and through understanding it is established; 4  through knowledge its rooms are filled

with rare and beautiful treasures.

What is our work all about?Why do we need to pursue wisdom lifelong?

Wisdom and the Work of Creation

Proverbs 8:30–31

30  Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, 31 rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.

Wisdom the craft of creation.Wisdom is the source of your craft.Wisdom is the skill of building your house— lifework!

Building a Basic Answer

Right up front we set forth our basic answer (we will build on it for 11 weeks).

Wisdom is skill in living and is the same stuff that makes up our skill in our work (profession, craft, art). It is to be pursued and it can be mastered to a significant level. We need it regardless of our work. We should seek to excel in our work, for it will bring broadened influence in this life—success. A heart of wisdom will give eternal permanence to the work of our hands, even mundane labor.

Expanding Our Answer

1. Family a productive unit

2. Wife a productive enhancer

3. Children—a heritage, multiplying the effect of the believing community

4. Our family, then, is a mainstay to the larger community of faith.

5. Our artisanship needs to be put in this larger context.

65 Question Exercise

Pick a few of your favorite questions.

Discuss them with your spouse.

Discuss them with your children.

Discuss them with a colleague at work.

Question Set 539. Is being a housewife as valuable as developing your potential

as a professional?40. Is volunteerism as valuable as being paid for your work?41. Is it legitimate for a woman to pursue a profession?42. Should women ever develop their “professional life” after the

children are grown?43. Should a single mother set as a life goal the professional

betterment of her children?44. Should children work?45. Should children be paid for their work?46. If children are illiterate, not afforded the opportunity for

schooling, are they doomed to lives that don’t amount to much?

47. Must they become literate to accomplish a lifework that counts for eternity?

48. Do our children need to get a college education to amount to anything?

Question Set 753. Do children, housewives, laborers (illiterate, semi-

literate, and literate), professionals, and pastors all need the same kind of wisdom?

54. What is the relationship of wisdom to general education? to professional education?

55. Is wisdom the same as getting an education?56. Does wisdom ever come with professional education?57. Can I develop wisdom as I develop without an

education?58. Can I develop a high level of wisdom as a laborer?59. Can children develop wisdom?60. How do you teach wisdom to children?

Implications Today1. Working wives and the message of women’s

careers

2. Work outside the home extreme—why women’s ministry is an industry today

3. Why is a wife more important than inheriting tremendous wealth?

4. Children—must we entertain them?

5. Prov. 1–8 and a trial run at adulthood

6. Children as true contributors to the family unit

7. A productive, prosperous household

Balances Our ThinkingOn one extreme

Total focus on home—kidsTotal focus on ministry—after kids

Other extreme—share tasks so woman can pursue her “career” too.

A valiant woman (courageous of spirit, motivated by fear of the Lord) is always

Building the base of the homeExpanding the base—economically, socially

Either way—It is not about her!

Rethink Women’s Training

Much of women’s ministry today = Massive inductive systems

Women need training in Building a base of an excellent home—fine clothes, foodExpanding economic baseCommunity benefactoring

Not extensive inductive Bible study systems

Illustrations—Wives

Wives

Family businessSupplemental activities (“belts”)Own enterprise

How about professions: teaching, nursing, etc.?Skill sets are ideal: gymnastics, music, ESL, tutoring, etc.

Issue: home base, fitting expansion, not careerism for personal significance

Leading Women InitiativeThis fall we are beginning a new initiative. I am very excited about it. We are calling it “leading women” initiative. (We have discussed it as a board and an executive pastoral team,)

I will meet with 8–9 “leading women” in the church.

Purpose:Training in our development/mentoring tools (portfolio, SIMA, identifying skills, etc.)Discuss how to develop women in building and expanding their households.Create “short-term” women’s modules.

Illustrations—Young AdultsSons/Daughters

Wisdom TrainingParenting with a Plan7th Priority Life Development Portfolio4th Generation Life Cycle System

(65 categories)

Work Ethic/ExperienceDaily habitsSaturday work projectsVolunteer community workPart time jobs/summer jobs

Create Work

First Great Jobshift

1780–1830

Second Great Jobshift

1990’s

Pre-Industrial World The New World of Jobs The Post-Job Organization

doing jobs having a job portfolio of jobs

Adapted from William Bridges

Child 1

Child 1

Child 2

Artisanship and the Lifelong Pursuit of Wisdom

Part I Artisanship: Mastering Your Craft (3 messages)

A Wisdom as Skill in Your Life and WorkB Artisanship and Your Family and HeritageC Discovering, Mastering, and Passing On a Life of

Wisdom