1929 Revisited?

I have been really concerned lately. I know of so many families that are losing their homes. Many people have been laid off by struggling employers. Many have lost most of their nest eggs in the ebb and flow of this awful economy. Along with these tragic stories, I have also noticed a very disturbing trend. There are able-bodied men out there that are losing everything that they have because they are unwilling to work in any station that they perceive as “beneath” them.

Without batting an eyelash, I can think of three families that are out in the street, completely because dad lost his high paying management position and just can’t replace it. It would be one thing if the equivalent of his old job were the only gainful work that was out there, but I’m here to tell you. It’s just not the case.

I have spoken to a few of these men as a counselor and begged them to at least go out and take a look at some lower paying jobs, at least until the economy comes roaring back. I haven’t had much luck. There seems to be an employment paralysis out there.

One fellow was an attorney. He won’t even put in an application. When I ask him, he just shrugs and says, “I’m praying about it.” Oh yeah? The Bible is very clear that we are called to work. We are called to work hard! 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you,

It’s amazing how much things have changed in the last couple of generations. Back in 1929 there were many men, many able-bodied, skilled men that lined up for jobs that today’s crop of men would never consider. How many men worked in the blazing sun in 1931 in the depths of the great depression to build Hoover Dam? They left homes and families, endured 120 degree heat, exhaustion and poor living conditions, just to keep paying the bills. The new crop of “men” would rather ditch their debts, break their contracts and shame their families than break a nail working in a restaurant, on a construction site or cleaning pools.

I am sad, but I think it may be one more sign that Jesus is coming soon!