Required reading
Mystery of Providence by John Flavel (available from Amazon or free on the internet,
here for example)
- Chapters 4 and 5.
My notes and thoughts
Today's chapters consider God's providential care in providing us with employment and family.
In chapter 4 Flavel notes God's providence in employment manifests itself in a number of ways. I appreciated how Flavel encouraged those that have employment which is time consuming and hard. These jobs may not leave much time for spiritual exercises in the sense of the study of the word and prayer but they are honourable to God: 'And as to the service of God, if your hearts are spiritual, you may enjoy much communion with God in your very employments, and you may have some intervals and respites for that purpose.' I think it is a shame how frequently Christians minimise the way in which honest employment brings glory to God. You do not have to be an expert on theology to honour God - showing up for work each day on time and doing it with good cheer is giving God just as much glory as a theologian in his study. We need to resist all attempts to lose that wonderful revelation that the Reformation provided, that the clergy are NOT somehow more spiritual than the laity.
Chapter 5 was most fitting for me to read on Father's Day here in Australia. I should be thanking God more often for the Godly wife he has provided and also our newborn son. So easy to do what Flavel warns against: 'A bad heart and a slippery memory deprive men of the comfort of many mercies, and defraud God of the glory due for them.'
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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