SCRIPTURE
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’ We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; They are busy-bodies. Such people we command, and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down, and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13
SPOTLIGHT
There are many different kinds of workers. Someone has identified at least six:
- Those who work honestly, and joyfully.
- Those who work out of obligation.
- Those who think they work.
- Those who try to work.
- Those who take the credit for work.
- Those who love work so much they could watch it forever.
Which worker are you?
In 2 Thessalonians, Paul wrote the Greek Christians who had decided not to work, because they believed Jesus Christ’s return was likely to happen at any time. The fact that Jesus Christ was coming again, or that Christ would provide for all their needs, did not mean that they should not have a job. There was no reason for being lazy. Instead, He told them they should be industrious.
When God created man, He created man to be a worker! In the Garden of Eden, He put Adam, and Eve in charge of everything. They never were lazy or complained about their work. One of their first jobs was to name all the animals. That was a big inventory task.
God wants you to GO TO WORK…FOR HIM! He made you to bring glory to Him in many different ways, one of which is your work. The truth is this. God wants you to work for Him, and get paid by your company. Colossians 3:17 states, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:23,24 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
My friend, Bob, was a UPS driver for many years. When he became a believer, he read, and studied God’s word, which began to expand his thinking. Day in and day out, he was driving the same route, and delivering parcel after parcel. At the least, it was challenging not to get bored. When he thought of studying to get another profession, he realized he first had to provide for his family. So, the Holy Spirit guided him to keep his job, and enjoy it with a new thrust. He began to read Scripture, and meditate on it while he worked. The boring part of his job took on a new meaning. And God fulfilled, 2 Timothy 3:16 which states, “All Scripture is God breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Bob became so equipped by the Scriptures that he became a very influential church leader who greatly impacted other men to grow in their faith. He began to work for God, and get paid by UPS. This was a win, win, win, win for God, himself, his family, and others.
GO TO WORK…FOR GOD!
SOMETHING TO DO
Give yourself a work review. Evaluate the things you are doing, and compare them to your job description. If you are doing more than expected, do not begrudge that, but instead, thank the Lord for giving you the health and ability to do so. If you need to bring it up a notch or two, remember who you are really working for.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Thank You Heavenly Father, for the privilege of being able to work. I choose to honor You through the abilities that you have given me, and the health that you have blessed me with. May my work always be glorifying and honoring to You. AMEN.