Radiant Religion

Bearing My Share of Life’s Burdens, March 22

Thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Psalm 128:2. RRe 83.1

Jesus lived in a peasant’s home, and faithfully and cheerfully acted His part in bearing the burdens of the household.... He learned a trade, and with His own hands worked in the carpenter’s shop with Joseph. In the simple garb of a common laborer He walked the streets of the little town, going to and returning from His humble work. He did not employ His divine power to lessen His burdens or to lighten His toil. RRe 83.2

As Jesus worked in childhood and youth, mind and body were developed. He did not use His physical powers recklessly, but in such a way as to keep them in health, that He might do the best work in every line. He was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of tools. He was perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character. By His own example He taught that it is our duty to be industrious, that our work should be performed with exactness and thoroughness, and that such labor is honorable. The exercise that teaches the hands to be useful, and trains the young to bear their share of life’s burdens, gives physical strength, and develops every faculty. All should find something to do that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others. God appointed work as a blessing, and only the diligent worker finds the true glory and joy of life.—The Desire of Ages, 72. RRe 83.3