How Often Do You Think of Work In This Way?
Oct 17, 2019
Work: 4 Key Bible Passages to Know
I realize that many of you will come across the blog for this week while you are busy at work. This week we want to be brief and arm you with four key passages from God’s Word about your work and show you some simple truths that will transform the way you see what you do between 8 and 5.
Passage #1 – Genesis 2:15
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (ESV)
Before there was sin, there was work. After God created everything in this world, he placed Adam in the Garden of Eden and gave him the gift of work. We don’t work because of sin or because the world is broken. We work because work is good, we were created to do it, and it glorifies God.
Simple Truth: Your work is good!
Passage #2 – Ecclesiastes 3:22
So, I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him? (ESV)
Do you believe God is in control and is good? He has given each of us a particular work to do, whether paid or unpaid. He has sovereignly placed us in particular roles for us to glorify Him in those roles. Because of this, we can rejoice in our work. Our work has meaning.
Simple Truth: Your work has meaning… so rejoice in it!
Passage #3 – Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (ESV)
In these verses from the book of Colossians, Paul is speaking directly to slaves and how they should interact with and honor their masters. We may not be slaves, but there is so much to gain from what Paul says. Many times, we can see our work as simply being for someone or for some organization with the goal of a paycheck. However, Paul says there is so much more to our work. Our work is be done with the mindset that we are working for God and for His glory! Is this your mindset?
Simple Truth: Your work is ultimately for God alone!
Passage #4 – 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (ESV)
So far, we have learned that our work is good, that it has meaning, and we are to rejoice in it, and that it is ultimately about God. If these things are true, then it makes sense that idleness and not engaging in work is not wise and not an option for the Christian. Paul explains in this passage that we are each to do our share and work hard instead of taking advantage of the hard work of others.
Simple Truth: Work hard instead of living off those that do!
I hope that these four passages encourage you this week to continue to fight the good fight in your work. If you enjoyed taking a simple look at what God’s Word says about this area of your life, check out the Unstatus Your Quo® Growth Plan. We offer personalized growth plans that are designed to help you understand and fulfill your purpose in life since such a low percentage of Christians know their purpose. Without knowing one’s purpose, it’s impossible to fulfill it. In six sessions, we help our clients clarify their purpose, understand how to fulfill it in all the areas of their life, and then provide a step-by-step individualized plan to get them started. Go ahead and try Session #1 for FREE!
Have a blessed work week!
Noah
