I have known men who never had serious problems with employment and income. I have always wondered if they had any idea of how many men envied their circumstances. The days of having the same job from the day you leave school to the day you retire are long gone. For many there are seasons where jobs are hard to find; settling for less is the order of the day.
That a man must work by the sweat of his brow, is a curse not easily forgotten (Genesis 3:17-19). King Solomon, who could have sat on his hands and done nothing due to his immense wealth, tried his hand at being productive. Initially he saw work’s pleasing aspects—the pleasure of a job well done and its potential for income (Ecclesiastes 2:10). However, when considering its value according to how this world really works, he concluded:
“Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labour which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
Praise God that our work as believers has divine value. Paul’s commands to the Colossian slaves apply no less to you and me. He said:
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:23).
Thus, Christians are blessings to any place of work. Not only are they honest, hardworking, and respectful, they also work to a standard that is higher than any man can demand; that of their Master, Jesus Christ!
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17).
John Staiger
0 Comments