EXCELLENCE
Plumbing and Philosophy
3.23.03
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Transcript:
John Gardner, late President of the Carnegie Foundation, once said something about excellence that has stayed with me. He said, "The society that scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because philosophy is an exalted activity, will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water."
This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. A nation that values excellence more than status is likely to have more of both. Character produces excellence. Philosophy to plumbing, gardening to government, as we praise excellence wherever we find it, our actions teach—the high calling of our daily work.
"I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?"
READER'S COMMENTS
Is this the article that linked to the subtitle from Christianity Today: "Does your Theology of Work Hold Up?" If so, it is extremely shallow.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. You have to ask why people are motivated to excellence in their work. I understand we should do it because we love God, but why else? According to Dispensationalism, all of our works will be burned up or stolen by the wicked after the Rapture. This is pretty de-motivating. The evangelical church in America has largely abandoned good reasons to work hard. They teach that we should just circle the wagons and wait for Christ to return. This is why Christians are way behind in cultural influence in the last 100 years.
I'm moving towards Postmillenialism which is much more positive and makes more sense. Are there any articles of depth on thehighcalling.org that deal with motivation to work and how it is informed by the Bible?
Chris, the audio messages from Mr. Butt are meant to be simple encouragements. That is why they also play on the radio as people are driving to work.
However, I'm excited to hear that you are looking to our site for more theological depth. Here are a few suggestions:
- Why Work is Holy by Dave Williamson
- Wise Men Bring the Gift of Work by Dave Williamson
- Is All Work a High Calling? by Al Hsu
- J. I. Packer on Theology and Work (an interview)
- Mark Robert's Daily devotions (beginning here)
I hope this helps!