Ed is learning Japanese. He has dabbled in Russian, Esperanto, and German. He loves language (he should be a linguist!) but he is studying computer engineering. His interest in languages is purely recreational.
It is interesting to dabble in a language. I, too, dabble. I have a pretty good ability to communicate in German. I’m reading the Bible in Spanish right now (and learning a lot!) and I studied Turkish over the years.
I love it that my kids are also interested in languages. We talk about the Tower of Babel around Corgi Hollows. We talk about cultures and tribes, the dispersion of peoples after Noah’s flood. We like that sort of thing.
We talk about culture, the nations, diversity—all things that God has made. We talk of how cultures develop philosophies and ethics. We talk about climate and how it affects culture.
This week we have been chatting about Japanese and Protestant work ethics. They are based on different premises, but they result in productive society as far as work is concerned.
Japanese work ethic seems to derive from a concern about personal reputation and bringing honor to one’s family. The Protestant work ethic seems to come from a different focus.
Recently I read somewhere that the reason socialism works in Scandinavian countries is the deeply ingrained Protestant work ethic established there during the Reformation.
The bitter climate is a good work motivator, too. One must prepare for cold weather.
I would also surmise that the expectation of the Rapture, the coming of Christ suddenly, is also a factor in work ethic. We believers in Jesus are admonished to get our house in order, to be ready for His return at any moment.
This translated into an obsession with keeping your house CLEAN.
How many protestant housewives keep a squeaky clean house?
I know that my Scandinavian heritage demanded I keep a house “perfectly” and I have failed there. I do keep house, just not perfectly.
My work ethic has forced me to keep my schedule with my jobs throughout my life adjustments. It has made me get to the YMCA to swim. It has made me get up from bed in the morning and start the dishwasher when I feel like staying in fetal position.
It’s a good thing, overall.
I am convicted about being ready, getting my house in order, and encouraging my children to do the same. The work ethic is real, and it is a good thing. It has a hopefulness.
Jesus is coming. The King is coming.
Rapture ready!