Work can be a difficult topic to discuss in our society currently.
There have been debates about the minimum wage amount, wage gaps, unemployment time frames, maternity leave, retirement age, social security and government assistance programs.
And I have no desire to debate the specifics of any of them.
But I worry that we have fallen far away from God’s desire of work.
We become focused on the peripheral issues and lose sight of working to the best of our ability in whatever we are doing. Simply because we are supposed to. Because we are capable.
We instead focus on the wage, the hours, the benefits, the vacation time, the co-workers, the boss, etc.
We miss out on the intent.
God created us to work. To give us a purpose.
We can read this in Genesis 2:15 (NIV) The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. That was before the fall of man.
Work, in and of itself, wasn’t a punishment. But sometimes we view it as such.
But the bible is clear. If we are physically capable of working, we are to work.
Are you working to your best ability? What’s getting in the way of doing what you are capable of? Have you allowed bitterness, laziness, discontentment, and/or greed to enter into your heart and stop you from working hard?
[ctt template=”7″ link=”GI7j3″ via=”yes” ]God created us to work. To give us a purpose. Work, in and of itself, wasn’t a punishment. But sometimes we view it as such. But the bible is clear. If we are physically capable of working, we are to work. [/ctt]
Take the time to read the below bible scriptures and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your own bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.
Genesis 2:15
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Ephesians 4:28
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.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
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, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
2 Thessalonians 3:7-10
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
Proverbs 6:6-11
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 10:5
He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
Proverbs 14:23
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Ecclesiastes 5:12
The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep.
1 Timothy 5:8
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Titus 3:14
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
I pray that this post reminds you of the importance of work and motivates you to keep going and persevere.
The following posts may add to this topic – perseverance, contentment, and hope.
God bless!
Melissa
Great Scripture list and topic, thank you! I’ve heard a few sermons lately reflecting on how God intended for us to work (for good, not punishment.) So helpful to remember when frustrated with work-related things.
Thank you Bethany! Yes, no matter the job, we can have days that we lose our joy and motivation to do our best. These scriptures are great reminders for all of us. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
Love this! I recently wrote on this topic as well, because like you said, we can get caught up in work consuming our lives or work feeling like a punishment. But it’s actually a gift from God!
Yes, we really need to assess our thoughts and motivations pertaining to work so that we are allowing God to lead us in this area of our life as well. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
Work is supposed to be satisfying and fulfilling. Our culture has made work something that we try to escape.
It definitely has. I was raised, “Work before play” but that doesn’t appear to be the mentality any longer. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
Work was a blessing in the garden of Eden, Adam enjoyed serving the Lord. Then sin happened and it felt like drudgery.
I think the best thing we can do is pray for God to give us the mindset to serve Him in whatever work we are doing.
That is a great prayer, Julie! It can be hard to remember to look at our work as a way to honor and glorify God but it absolutely is. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights! God bless!
I vowed a number of years ago to no longer live for time to pass, but rather live in my time as it passed. I enjoy my life so much more being present to every situation. I tried to teach my students this too. Otherwise, we would all be watching that clock every day. Does not make for good teaching or learning!
Being present is so important. I can struggle with this when I allow my schedule to get too full and I’m trying to cram everything in. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your insights. God bless!
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 is one of my favorites to ponder when I think about mundane chores as a SAHM. Some days are so repetitive and monotonous, the joy can be stolen right out of me. Also, another passage that I try to remember during “work” distress is “Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for.” Colossians 3:23-24, TLB Thank you for sharing, Melissa!! <3
Oh Katie that’s a great bible verse to really pray over! I know that there are some days that being a therapist is emotionally painful. It’s hard to see all of the trauma and hurt that children have endured. Thank you for sharing more of God’s Word! God bless!
I get joy out of doing a job well.
Me too, Kristi! I like knowing I’m using the talents that God has given me to complete certain tasks and jobs. Thank you for reading and commenting! God bless!