Letters From Grandpa #508

• LETTERS FROM GRANDPA
• 508

Dearest grandchild,

Today’s letter will begin with a quote from a famous Russian novelist named Fyodor Dostoevsky (Nov. 11, 1821 – Feb. 9, 1881). His writings have been translated into 170 languages and have influenced such famous men as Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, Anton Chekhov, and many others. Here are some of his words of wisdom for you to ponder: “To crush, to annihilate a man utterly, to inflict on him the most terrible of punishments so that the most ferocious murderer would shudder at it and dread it beforehand, one need only give him work of an absolutely, completely useless and irrational character.”

I am told that the Germans began experimenting with this type of torture in the 1930’s. Those forced to work in munitions factories resented their work but at the end of the day could at least see something useful they had accomplished. Others, however, were forced into meaningless work. One day they were forced to dig a huge hole, and the next day they were forced to fill it back up. After many days of such “useless and irrational” labor many were driven to suicide and threw themselves on the electric fence surrounding the prison. Everyone needs work that is “reasonable”.

In 1900 60% of Americans lived in rural areas. Each family averaged 3.5 children and each child was a financial asset worth thousands of dollars to their family. The children may have often resented their labor, but at the end of the day they could actually see something useful they had done. Further, they realized that when their parents died they would inherit the farm on which they worked.

In 2023 the average American family had 1.94 children. Since most Americans no longer live on a farm, children may be “wanted” but are no longer “needed.” This is one reason why over 60 million babies have been aborted in America. Investment experts calculate that raising a child for 18 years is a liability costing $233,610. In 1900 the farm boy could connect the dots and realize that storing apples in the fruit cellar would help the family survive the winter. Today’s children are smart enough to know that cleaning their room and making their bed is not essential for the family to survive.

King Solomon faced this problem 3,000 years ago. He was the son of a King David and never lacked for money. He had everything money could buy but still wasn’t happy! He wrote the book of Ecclesiastes describing his search for meaning. Here is a sample: “I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart. I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” (Eccl. 2:4-11)

The “good news” is that Solomon found the meaning of life in obedience to God! He concluded Ecclesiastes by writing; “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of all mankind.” (Eccl. 12:13) True fulfillment and happiness involves fearing God and doing what God commands us to do!

There are trillions of stars, and yet God has given each star a name (Psalms 147:4). God obviously knows your name! Not one sparrow falls to the ground but what God knows about it, and you are of more value than many sparrows (Matthew 10:31) David found comfort in knowing that God knew all about him before he was even born (Ps. 139:13-16). We can find comfort in the same way!

If you are depressed, discouraged, and confused about the purpose of your life, Jesus offers you this special invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

A yoke involves work and Christ has a yoke especially designed for you. William Barclay tells of an old tradition that Jesus had a reputation as a carpenter for making yokes that fit perfectly. When you put on the yoke Jesus made for you it is “easy” and He will help you to find rest for your soul!

The church is like a body and every member of the body has a different function. Jesus has a different yoke for everyone. Mary was a mother, Joseph was a carpenter, shepherds were the first to tell about Jesus, Crispus ruled a synagogue, Simon was a tanner, Onesimus was a slave, Rhoda was a servant, Aquila was a tentmaker, Cornelius was a soldier, Dorcas was a seamstress, Lydia was a seller of purple, Mary the mother of John Mark used her house for prayer, Luke was a physician, Alexander was a metalworker, Zenas was a lawyer, Zacchaeus was a tax collector, etc. The point is: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17) Every job provides fulfillment if you do it for Jesus! Even slaves can find fulfillment if they obey their earthly masters in the name of Jesus (Ephesians 6:5-8).

• Here are two simple steps to finding fulfillment:
• First, surrender to Jesus and make him the Lord of your life!
• Then, when Jesus is in control, he will give you both the desire and the ability to put on the yoke he has especially designed for you. Paul put it like this: “It is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)

I love you,

Grandpa Boyce