Our Blog

The Dignity of Labor and the Eternal Value of Our Work in Christ

Labor Day is often seen as a long weekend; a well-deserved break from the nine to five. But it's more than that- it’s a time to honor the hard work and dedication that contribute to our communities and livelihoods. Likewise, it is an opportunity to reflect on the underlying meaning of our laborious efforts. The Bible establishes work as more than a necessity or a means to an end, but a sacred calling that carries inherent dignity and eternal value. It reveals that all work is purposeful and eternally significant when done for God’s glory. The Bible’s stance is a powerful reminder of the value of work, easing our stresses while helping us to find joy and fulfillment in every task, big or small, leaving us feeling satisfied by the knowledge that our efforts matter to God and His Kingdom. 

Work in the Good Book

From the very beginning, the Bible verifies work as a holy institution, with God Himself as the ultimate example of a diligent worker. Setting the precedent for the cycle of work and rest, God’s act of creation demonstrates that work was not a consequence of the Fall, but rather it is inherently good and a part of God’s perfect plan for humanity. Throughout Scripture, work is elevated as a form of service and obedience to God. whether it’s Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, Paul crafting tents to support his ministry, or Lydia using her skills in trade to further the early church, we see that our daily work serves a greater purpose. Regardless of its nature- building, teaching, serving, or creating- our labor is an integral part of God’s design, and these stories remind us that work in all forms is a way to mirror God's determination and creativity and fulfill our purpose as His stewards on earth.

The Promise of Labor

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

1 Corinthians 15:58 provides encouragement about the value of work. Concluding a discussion about Christ’s resurrection, Paul shares this message that reassures that every effort done in service to God- spiritual, physical, or emotional- is meaningful and has lasting implications. 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… Colossians 3:23

Again, Colossians 3:23 instructs us to work heartily for the Lord and not for man, affirming that the true measure of our work is not in its societal status and emphasizing that the quality and intention behind our labor are what truly matter.

Embracing this perspective allows us to view our daily endeavors- even the most mundane- as never wasted and inspires us to carry them out diligently. 

Societal Pressures 

Today’s consumer-driven society tends to equate worth with wealth, obscuring the true value of work and undermining its dignity. The modern emphasis on rapid success and high status often leads to the devaluation of jobs that are essential yet less glamorous; eroding a sense of purpose and exacerbating feelings of inadequacy. Despite society distinguishing what constitutes "high" and "low" forms of work, we’ve identified that the Bible upholds the intrinsic value of all labor. 

In the following examples, we will consider the spiritual significance of various forms of labor, regardless of the societal perspective of each:

Household Chores: These daily tasks are opportunities to care for, bless, and provide for the needs of your family.
Grocery Shopping: Adopt shopping with intention, being mindful of healthy options, provides a chance to meet the nutritional needs of self and others while allowing an opportunity to practice gratitude for the resources available.
Office Tasks: Maintaining a positive attitude while committing to your work demonstrates an honorable work ethic and integrity.
Customer Service: Customer service can be trying. However, approaching all situations- difficult and easy ones alike- with kindness and patience allows the freedom to mirror Christ's respect and compassion.
Parenting: Parenting is a form of stewardship, shaping the next generation with love and wisdom, reflecting God’s nurturing and grace.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering demonstrates selflessness and love, aligning with the call to serve.
Janitorial and Repair: Taking pride in a clean and orderly environment contributes to the well-being and functionality of that environment, upholding respect for others and God’s provision.
Gardening and Landscaping: Tending to the land echoes man's first laborious responsibility- God entrusting Adam to care for the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). It is a way to express creativity, take joy in the beauty of creation, and provide a space for others to enjoy. 

Embody the Principle of “Labor in the Lord”

Living out the principle of "labor in the Lord" involves integrating God into every aspect and form of work. This means recognizing work as an extension of worship- a form of ministry that honors Him- transforms our efforts into a meaningful expression of faith. 

The chart below shares examples of how you can align your actions and mindset to create opportunities to witness and honor God throughout daily tasks: 

Wishing You a Restful Labor Day

No matter how humble or grand, it is crucial to remember that every task we undertake holds the potential to honor and glorify God. When we acknowledge and value our work, we are given an opportunity to approach each day with a renewed sense of purpose and joy. This Labor Day weekend, we encourage you to take the time and consider how you can best embrace laboring in the Lord. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Moral Dilemmas and Christian Ethics

Grounded in the teachings of the Bible, the ethics of Christianity are a guide for those striving to live a life that honors God. With the rapidly increasing moral ambiguity of today, Christian ethics help us discern right from wrong, enabling us to align our actions with our faith; and courageously face moral dilemmas with wisdom and integrity. 

Moral Principles and Their Foundation 

2 Timothy 3:16-17,  which states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." bears witness to the Bible’s sufficiency as mankind’s foremost source of moral authority. 

Ethics of Christianity:

1) Love 

Supporting Verses:

• 1 Corinthians 13:3-13
• John 13:34
• Romans 13:10
• 1 John 4:7-8
• Matthew 22:37-39
• Colossians 3:14

2)Justice and Equality

Supporting Verses:

• Isaiah 1:17 
• Amos 5:24
• Micah 6:8
• Proverbs 31:8-9
• Leviticus 19:15
• Zechariah 7:9-10

3)Truth and Integrity

Supporting Verses:

• Proverbs 12:22
• Psalm 15:1-2
• Colossians 3:9-10
• 1 Peter 3:10
• John 8:32
• Ephesians 4:25

4)Humility and Servanthood

Supporting Verses:

• Mark 10:45
• Philippians 2:3-4
• 1 Peter 5:5-6
• Luke 22:26-27
• Matthew 23:11-12
• 1 Timothy 6:2

Common Moral Dilemmas 

Below are common moral dilemmas

-Honesty vs. Avoiding Harm: Conflict arises when the truth may hurt another. 

-Loyalty to God vs. Loyalty to Family: Conflict arises from discrepancies between one's faith and family expectations/traditions. 

-Loyalty to God vs. Loyalty to Friends: Conflict arises from an imbalance between one's faith and expectations within friendships. 

-Personal Rights vs. Submission to Authority: Conflict arises when an authoritative mandate compromises beliefs or freedoms. 

-Serving Others vs. Self-care: Conflict arises from an imbalance between serving others and time for rest, rejuvenation, and self-care. 

-Environmental Stewardship vs. Economic Progress: Conflict arises from the decision between responsibly caring for the environment and the continuation of economic growth and development. 

-Truthfulness vs. Confidentiality: Conflict arises from the decision to disclose information and the breach of confidentiality and privacy of another. 

-Forgiveness vs. Justice: Conflict arises from discrepancies between forgiveness and seeking justice. 

-Personal Convictions vs. Social Norms and Expectations: Conflict arises from an incompatibility between personal faith and societal or cultural norms and practices. 

-Respecting Life vs. Easing Suffering: Conflict arises from the ethical considerations surrounding end-of-life care and the sanctity of life and the alleviation of pain and suffering.

-Generosity vs. Management of Personal Resources: Conflict arises from decisions between generous giving and sensible management of finances and resources. 

-Pursuing Justice vs. Ensuring Safety: Conflict arises from an imbalance between the pursuit of justice and the well-being and safety of self and others. 

-Promoting Unity vs. Addressing Conflict: Conflict arises from the volition between advocating unity and addressing interpersonal conflict. 

-Media Consumption and Moral Influence: Conflict arises when the type of media consumption endangers personal morals. 

Approaching Ethical Dilemmas

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 22:3

Because ethical dilemmas can test our faith, as Proverbs 22:3 advises, it is imperative to base responses to moral dilemmas with discernment. You can find clarity through the following:

• Prayer
• Scriptural Insight 
• Seek Counsel  
• Considering Consequences 

Hypothetical Examples

-Truthfulness vs. Avoiding Harm: Sarah discovers her friend's spouse is having an affair. She struggles with whether to disclose this truth, knowing it could devastate her friend's marriage and family. After prayer and seeking counsel from her pastor, Sarah decides to gently approach her friend with the truth, emphasizing her concern and readiness to support her friend through this difficult time.

-Justice vs. Forgiveness: Emily, a victim of a serious crime, struggles with whether to press charges against the perpetrator. While justice demands accountability, Emily wrestles with the call to forgive as Christ forgave. After seeking guidance from her church community and deep reflection, Emily chooses to pursue justice through legal channels while also extending forgiveness in her heart, trusting God with the outcome.

-Promoting Unity vs. Addressing Conflict: Peter is the head of a project at work, and interpersonal conflicts arise among team members. He faces the dilemma of promoting unity within the team while addressing underlying conflicts. After prayer and seeking guidance from church mentors, Peter decides to facilitate open dialogue among team members, encouraging forgiveness, reconciliation, and a renewed focus.

-Truthfulness vs. Avoiding Harm: Rachel discovers confidential information about a colleague that could harm their career if disclosed. She struggles with whether to uphold honesty or protect their colleague's reputation. After seeking wisdom through prayer and consulting with a trusted mentor, Rachel decides to confront her colleague discreetly, offering support and guidance while maintaining confidentiality.

-Respecting Life vs. Easing Suffering: Laura's elderly parent is terminally ill and expresses a desire for physician-assisted suicide to end their suffering. Laura must reconcile honoring the sanctity of life with respecting her parent's wishes for relief from pain. After seeking guidance from medical professionals and spiritual advisors, Laura decides to provide compassionate care and explore palliative care options that prioritize pain management and emotional support, affirming her parent's dignity while upholding the sanctity of life.

-Pursuing Justice vs. Ensuring Safety: Jessica witnesses an act of injustice in her neighborhood but fears retaliation if she reports it to authorities. She wrestles with whether to prioritize seeking justice or ensuring her safety and the safety of her family. After seeking advice from community leaders and praying for wisdom and protection, Jessica decides to report the injustice anonymously, trusting God to intervene and protect her and her loved ones while standing up for righteousness.

-Environmental Stewardship vs. Economic Growth: Olivia works in a company that is planning a project with potential environmental impacts on local wildlife habitats. She faces the dilemma of advocating for environmental stewardship while recognizing the economic benefits the project could bring to the community. After seeking wisdom through prayer and consulting with environmental experts and community stakeholders, Olivia decides to propose modifications to the project that minimize environmental harm, ensuring responsible stewardship of God's creation while supporting sustainable economic development.

-Media Consumption and Moral Influence: Emily enjoys watching a popular television show known for promoting values contrary to her Christian beliefs. She faces the dilemma of whether to continue watching for entertainment or abstain to protect her spiritual well-being. After prayerfully considering scriptures on purity and discernment and seeking advice from her spiritual mentor, Emily decides to limit her exposure to media that conflicts with her values, choosing instead to focus on content that aligns with God's truth and strengthens her faith.

To End

When ethical standards are at an incongruence with conventional wisdom or personal preference, it can be a challenge to determine the best and most moral way to proceed. Trusting God and His Word enables us to approach moral challenges with clarity and integrity. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

The Sweetness of Christ Easter Egg Hunt

This Easter egg hunt invites kids to savor the mouthwatering yumminess of Easter candy while providing an entertaining reminder about the enduring sweetness of Christ’s sacrifice for us.  

The Candy

Below is a list of Easter egg candy that we’ve matched with a related Bible verse that exemplifies the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, and a short description as to how the candy and verses are connected. 

Fudge
Verse: Romans 8:11-And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
Connection: With its rich and indulgent flavor, fudge is like the spiritual nourishment and vitality that we receive through the Holy Spirit, made possible by Jesus’ resurrection. 

Toffee
Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:58-Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Connection: Similar to how toffee requires firmness to withstand pressure, we are encouraged to stand firm in faith and serve the Lord. 

Candy Necklace
Verse: Ephesians 2:8-9-For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Connection: Just as the colorful candy beads are connected to form a necklace, we are connected by God's grace through faith in Jesus’ resurrection and not by our own works or merit.

Butterscotch 
Verse: 1 Peter 1:3-4-Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.
Connection: The warm, rich, comforting flavor of butterscotch symbolizes the comfort and assurance of living hope and eternal inheritance.

Fruit Snacks
Verse: Galatians 5:22-23-But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Connection: Fruit snacks' assortment of flavors and colors are like the fruits of the Spirit that we receive through Jesus’ resurrection.

Chocolate Bunnies
Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:22-For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
Connection: Bunnies have a lot of babies, which symbolizes new life. In the same way, chocolate bunnies are a reminder of the eternal life offered through Jesus' death and resurrection.

Chocolate Lambs
Verse: John 1:29-The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Connection: Chocolate lambs represent Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God.

Saltwater Taffy
Verse: Colossians 3:1-Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Connection: The chewy and stretchy consistency of saltwater taffy symbolizes how we can be pulled and shaped to do good when we follow Jesus’ example.

Candy Crosses
Verse: Colossians 2:15-And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Connection: At first, the cross stood as a symbol of shame and defeat. But Jesus’ resurrection turned it into a symbol of triumph and redemption. 

Chocolate Truffles
Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:20-21-But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
Connection: Chocolate truffles represent the richness of life that we receive through Jesus’ resurrection. Just as the first fruits represent the beginning of a harvest, His resurrection is the first of many to come, promising eternal life to all who believe.

Sweet and Sour Candy
Verse: 1 Peter 1:8-9-Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Connection: The combination of sweet and sour flavors reminds us of the value in remaining faithful. Just as the first taste of sourness gives away to sweetness, the challenges we face in life ultimately turn to everlasting joy. 

Jelly Beans 
Verse: John 3:16-For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Connection: The variety of colors and flavors in jelly beans are like God’s all-encompassing love for all people and forgiveness for all sins. 

Cotton Candy
Verse: Psalm 30:5-For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Connection: The fluffy light texture of cotton candy is like the cheerfulness and joy that happens the morning of Jesus’ resurrection. The transition from weeping to rejoicing in the verse helps us remember to find hope and joy in Jesus’ gift, after the sorrow of His crucifixion. 

Chocolate Easter Eggs
Verse: Matthew 28:6-He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Connection: The hollowness of the egg is like the tomb that had been found empty. 

Hard Candies
Verse: Luke 24:6-7-He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ 
Connection: Hard candy, with its durability and long-lasting sweetness, conveys the enduring truth of Jesus' resurrection. 

Easter Candy Corn
Verse: 1 Peter 2:24-He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
Connection: The three layers of color are like the process of transformation and renewal through Christ's atonement, moving from darkness to light, sin to salvation.

Black Licorice
Verse: Acts 2:24-But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
Connection: Licorice, with its dark color and strong flavor, symbolizes the darkness and agony of death that Jesus experienced. Yet, despite its strong taste, black licorice can be an enjoyable treat. Likewise, Christ’s death brings hope for the wonderful life that comes after death. 

Easter Egg Marshmallow Candy
Verse: Romans 5:8-But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
Connection: The marshmallow middle of Easter egg marshmallow candies is like the sin of humanity and separation from God. Even though we all have sinned, God chose to show us love by sending Jesus to die for our sins. The chocolate coating is a reminder of the protective covering of Christ's sacrifice, which surrounds us. 

Candy Canes
Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:57-But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Connection: The candy canes shape resembles the letter "J" for Jesus, and the colors red and white are like his blood and purity. Together, they represent Jesus’ victory over sin and death. 

Rock Candy
Verse: Matthew 27:51-At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.
Connection: Recalling the extraordinary events surrounding Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, Rock candy, is like the splitting of rocks at the moment of Jesus' death.

Easter M&M's
Verse: Mark 16:6-“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” 
Connection: The bright and colorful candy-coated shells symbolize the bright and joyous feelings accompanying the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.

Setting Up the Hunt

For this Easter egg hunt, you’ll fill plastic eggs with the aforementioned candies and the matching Bible verses. Hide the eggs, and have the kids search for them. After all of the eggs have been found, gather the kids into a group and introduce the connectedness between the sweetness of Easter candy and the sweetness that comes from Christ’s sacrifice. Feel free to use this as the introduction or come up with one of your own:
Jesus' sacrifice is like the sweetest candy imaginable, because it shows just how much He cares about each and every one of us. He knew that we all make mistakes and sometimes do things that aren't right. But instead of getting mad at us, he chose to help us in the biggest way possible. He loves us so much that he wanted to make sure that we could always feel loved and forgiven. So He allowed Himself to take the punishments for all of the bad things all of us have done. Because of what he did, we can have hope and know that we're never alone, no matter what happens. So, even though Easter egg candy is tasty, Jesus’ gift is the sweetest thing ever and gives us lasting strength and keeps us going forever.
Next, have the kids take turns opening their eggs and read the correlating Bible verse. After the verse has been read, share with the kids the connection between the verse and the candy. Encourage an active discussion with the kids about the meaning of Easter by asking questions and having them share personal insights. 

Click here for a printable version of the Bible verses to place into the eggs and the introduction with the explanation for each candy.  

We hope you enjoy this fun, engaging, and Christ-centered spin throughout your Easter celebrations!
-Torrance Church of Christ