Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.
1 Thessalonians 2:9 NIV
Not a Burden
Canada’s official bilingualism is often portrayed as an expensive government program that drains taxpayer dollars. But this narrow view misses the bigger picture of what bilingualism actually delivers to the Canadian economy. When you look at the real numbers and tangible benefits, the investment in both English and French creates measurable returns that far outweigh the costs. The economic advantages of bilingualism touch every sector, from international trade to innovation and tourism. The skills developed through learning multiple languages enhance cognitive abilities that directly translate into workplace productivity and creative problem-solving.
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I remember as a young Christian reading stories from the early days of missions. In the days before global flying and instant communication anywhere on the planet, missionaries would travel to their ministry site by boat, a trip that would take weeks, if not months. They often set out not sure they would ever get back home. Some even travelled with a casket, believing they would die and be buried where God had sent them. When we serve Jesus, we are called to be “all in.” The apostle Paul wrote this in 1 Thessalonians 2:9: “Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.” True spiritual leadership carries a willingness to pay a price. Love that costs nothing is rarely convincing. Paul didn’t just speak about Christ’s self-giving love; he lived it. His hands bore the marks of labour, his schedule bore the weight of service, and his heart bore the joy of obedience. The gospel deserves our best, too. It deserves effort, humility, and perseverance.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley