Work

Big Idea: Being a hard worker, often mentioned in the Bible, is a highly valued trait for the Christian.

"Work Harder"

Our family was watching the news one day in the 90s when Pope John Paul was addressing a South American country. Someone made the comment – interesting sermon… “Work Harder!”

Pope John Paul was known for his belief that God has inherently put it in the heart of mankind to work, and that all who can, have a right and a duty to work. The Apostle Paul would heartily agree.

 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 NLT

Elbow grease

The book of Proverbs tells the importance of hard work and diligence. There are quite a few references. Here are a couple examples.

A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense. Proverbs 12:11 NLT

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. Proverbs 13:4 NLT

The Old Testament talks a lot about the Sabbath rest; that even God rested on the seventh day. But that is based on the premise that for six days there has been diligent work.

Working for the Lord

The Apostle Paul often mentions working hard physically, as the above verses cited in 2 Thessalonians. He clearly states how hard he worked for the Lord. He also given a lot of shout outs to co-workers because they have worked really hard for the ministry.

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Romans 11:12 NLT

Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your beneft.  Romans 16:6 NLT

Paul’s ability to work is coupled with the strength God gives him.

 I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. Colossians 1:29

Hard work does not get you into heaven

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. Romans 3:22 CSB

Hard work for the Kingdom of God reflects our gratitude to God, and proof that faith has produced a changed life. It is not to earn our salvation.

 Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. I John 3:7-9 NLT

Work hard for your boss

The Apostle Paul tells us that we should work hard in whatever we do as if it is for God Himself. We might be tempted to think our job is all about pleasing the boss. 

 In reality, how we act shows that we now belong to God. All we do is to honor Him.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord, rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT (also Ephesians 6:7 NLT)

This passage in Ephesians 6 talks about slaves obeying their master respectfully, as if they were serving Christ. Now we are not literally slaves, so why should we not consider being respectful and hard working for our boss in this world?

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Ephesians 6:5 NLT

We live in a era that values me. Me-time. Chilling. Time to enjoy life, not just work, work, work.

But remember our true home is heaven. On this earth, life is an effort. We honor our heavenly Father by being diligent for His sake!

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Reflect:

1. Take a moment to reflect on your work ethic. In your mind, has there been a difference between working for your company vs. doing ministry at church? Why or why not?

2. If you consider everything you do as being for God does that make a difference to you? Should it?