Working For God

 

Years ago  people took pride in their work. We called it the work ethic. Companies boasted in their craftmanship and excellence. They even had a department devoted to quality control. These companies had a minimum standard for their products. 

But how things have changed. Workers no longer strive for excellence but rather doing just enough to get by. They are not interested in giving their employer an hours' work for a hours' pay. Their goal is to get the most pay for the least amount of work. 

But the Christ-follower should have a totally different mind set. Romans 12:2 They should realize that God is their ultimate employer. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters... It is the Lord you are serving Colossians 3:23-2

The Christ-follower's work should honor the Lord. "When you eat or drink or do anything else, always do it to honor God."  1 Corinthians 10:31

When you go to work tomorrow, strive to have a God-honoring work ethic.  

Work Is Not A Four-letter Word

Very few people look at work positively. Work to most people is something they endure so they can endure the weekend. There has been numerous cartoons and jokes about Monday morning but is there a positive side to work? What does God think about work?

Did Adam and Eve have  life of luxury? Was everything provided for them? The foundation for our work ethic come from the book of Genesis.

Evidently work itself is not bad, for Adam was told to work even before he sinned. And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to 'dress it and to keep it' (Genesis 2:15). God knew that idleness was not good for mankind, so He assigned to Adam the responsibility of "dressing" the garden, perhaps to keep the plants from overrunning everything. This was not difficult work, but enjoyable. 

You may have heard the saying, "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." (Unknown) I told my children that it really did not matter how much money you earn if you dislike your job. Who wants to work 20-30  years in a job they dislike just it paid well?

The Bible has much to say about work and the work ethic. I will share those thoughts in upcoming blogs.