A Word About Work

In the course of our Sunday morning Colossians series, we have come to a verse that shares with us an admonition regarding work. It is this:

“Whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).

This begs the question: How much time do you spend at work in a day, week, or month? How much time will you spend at work over a lifetime? If so much of your time over a lifetime will be spent at work, doesn’t it make sense that the Bible would have something to say about it? Indeed it does!

What does the word say about work?

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
“There is a time and a purpose for every work” (Ecclesiastes 3:17).
“All hard work brings a profit” (Proverbs 14:23).
“You will eat the fruit of your labor” (Psalm 128:2).
“If any would not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
“Let him that stole, steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good” (Ephesians 4:28).
“Moreover, when God gives any (one) wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift from God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19).
“Six days you shall labor…” (Exodus 20:9).
 
With so much emphasis given to work from these verses (and many more), it calls for a self-evaluation of our work efforts.

Performance – Are we trying our best to do our work at a high level of performance? “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
Attitude—Is our work done enthusiastically and positively? “Whatever you do, do it heartedly as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).
Relationships—Do our relationships at work reflect favorably on the cause of Christ? “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5).
 
It is apparent from biblical instruction that God intends for us to work and to do so diligently. May we approach our work as an opportunity to give God glory and to be a witness at work for our Lord positively. Let’s work on this…

Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron