O Cubed

Sword of the word Series

01 11

Sword of the word - Work Ethic

POSTED BY: Just Jim | COMMENTS: 0 Comments | DATE: January 11, 2015

Comentary:

What does the Bible have to say about work? Some may be surprised to find out that there are many thoughts about work, lack of work, and serving. The topic comes right to the forefront in the very beginning when in Genesis 1, after God created man He says, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living think that moves on the earth.” The word “subdue” certainly has a meaning of work or control or trample under. Yes, God gave Adam some things to do from the very beginning (and this is even before sin entered the world in Genesis 3). Just like Adam, we all have things to do and work is one of them. We all work in some way; some go to an office, some work in the home. For some, to work is to raise children. The words from God do not stop in Genesis but continue on throughout the Scriptures with Jesus himself being a “carpenter” in Mark 6:3. Some may be surprised to find out that there are many thoughts about work, lack of work, and serving in the Bible. In whatever walk of life you are in, in whatever job or task that you do, do it as unto the Lord. Sometimes we may work for someone who is not honorable or of high quality in character. Satan might try to convince us to act like a sluggard or to be lazy as many of our co-workers are. Don’t give in to that mindset. Be the best worker you can be. Your hard work and diligence are not really for your employer but for the Lord. He sees your diligence and hard work and although maybe you don’t get adequately rewarded in your workplace just know that the Lord is pleased and honored when we do good work. Consider the following

Supporting Scriptures:

Ecclesiastes 9:10

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

Proverbs 13:4

4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Proverbs 6:6-8

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

Proverbs 12:24

24 Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

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.

Philippians 4:13

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Proverbs 14:23

23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

1 Timothy 5:8

8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Ephesians 4:28

28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Exodus 20:9

Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.

Matthew 5:16