"Benefits and Perks"
September 29, 2017
Psalm 106:1 - Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!
When I was a young man, many, many years ago, most folks hoped to find a good job.
A good job was one that would always be there, which paid a fine salary, and came with a nice retirement plan. At such a job, a person might stay his entire working career.
But times have changed. Retirement plans are no longer offered by many companies, and very few job-seekers are ready to commit their lives to a company. Yes, times have changed, and one of those changes deals with benefits and perks. A benefit and perk are those extra somethings a company may offer, so it can get and keep the very best employees possible. According to a recent survey, benefits and perks are the most important thing to some job applicants.
And if you're wondering what kind of benefits some companies offer, how about
1. Facebook, which offers healthcare coverage and free housing for its interns, many of whom make more than $7,000 a month;
2. In-N-Out Burger tells employees they can have a free Double-Double burger and fries for each shift they work;
3. Deloitte offers sabbatical programs; the first lasts one month and can be taken for any reason; the second at 44 percent salary, runs 3-6 months;
4. Genentech gives their employees on-site perks such as car washes, haircuts, a childcare center, a mobile spa, and a dentist.
Now I think all that's wonderful, but these companies cannot match the benefits the Lord bestows. No, I'm not talking about heaven, although heaven would be enough. I'm speaking of the many here-and-now blessings the Lord gives us -- such as
• strength to the weary and power to the weak;
• the ability not to fear or be dismayed because He is our God;
• to give us the knowledge that His unfailing love for us will not be shaken; His covenant of peace won't be removed;
• the sureness that says He has plans to give us hope and a future;
• to know that the people who trust in the Lord have never been forsaken.
No doubt you can list other benefits the Lord has given. If not, it's time to search the Scripture and try to get just a glimpse of the graciousness of the Triune God.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, each day we live is filled with blessings that come from Your hand. May we see, appreciate, and offer praise for these blessings both great and small, temporary and eternal. In the Savior's Name I pray it. Amen.
