This Unreasonable Career

...he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver...''


 - From Malachi 3

The descendants of Levi. Artists. Writers. Scribes. Journalists. Bloggers. Preachers. Musicians. Teachers.

God has always been pretty serious about spreading the Gospel, and teaching the Law. He set aside an entire Hebrew tribe, to take on the task of making sure a few people were reading, studying, praying, reflecting . . . which turns out to be the most essential function in Israel or any other nation.

When a civilization has won all the wars, expanded all the boundaries, produced the most amazing inventions, and established the most just government . . . it always turns its sights on the arts, academics, and the pursuit of leisurely activities. We know our priorities, once we can afford them.

One of the great ancient Greek philosophers said something like this: "The questions are: Who is teaching the children, and what are they teaching them?"

God, who designed us, knows what we need to know. He knows what's important. 

And whether or not we value teachers, artists, and ministers; whether we work to ensure the right people are custodians of these highly, exceedingly influential professions (especially vis-a-vis future generations); it is certain that God will take care of them, some day. He has promised to do so. 

The reader may find himself in a conversation, in which people are disdained who follow a career in education, the arts, or the clergy. Why don't they go where the money is? If so, remember that God rewards them . . . . first. (Remember what a "tithe" is). 

And if you get a chance, if you cannot supplement the income of a teacher, or you are unable to provide a gift of supplies to a teacher's classroom; at least tell a teacher, or artist, or minister "Thank you. You are doing what I wish I could do. You are doing what I should be doing. What you are doing is more important than anything."