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New Year’s Revolution • Anarchy – 2/5/23

The value of work cannot be understated. Work builds character, teaches discipline, and can bring a sense of accomplishment when a job is well-done. No matter how menial the task, there is value. The Bible has many passages devoted to the benefits in store for the person who works hard, and it also clearly states the negative outcome for those who are lazy. It is good to consider why you work. It may be to provide for yourself and your family. Obviously, we want to make money to meet our needs and to take care of some of the wants, as well. However, the true purpose of work, along with everything we do, is to honor and bring glory to God. If you profess to be a Christian, then what you say, how you live and how you work are all part of your witness, and part of your worship. When people see that you are diligent, honest and do your work to best of your ability, they see the difference that Christ makes in every area of life. You cannot reflect God’s character through laziness, dishonesty, and stupidity. God expects you to work as though you are working for Him.

Scriptures – Proverbs 16:3, 3:6, 17:24, 13:16, 21:5, 10:9, 21:6, 12:3, 16:11, 22:13, 14:23; Ecclesiastes 5:7; Proverbs 13:4, 15:14, 18:15, 13:13, 15:22, 13:18, 28:13; Ecclesiastes 8:6, 10:10; Proverbs 22:29, 24:16

Verse – Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed. (Pr 16:3) The plans of the diligent lead to profit. (Pr 21:5) The person of integrity walks securely; but the one who takes crooked paths will be found out. (Pr 10:9) Lazy people want much but get little, while the diligent are prospering. (Pr 13:4) Get all the advice you can and you will succeed. Without it you will fail. (Pr 15:22) If you accept criticism, you’re on the road to fame. (Pr 13:18) For though a righteous person falls seven times, they rise again. (Pr 24:16) 

Thought – Even good work, hard work can be tainted by attitude and motivations. If you want to promote yourself and make a name for yourself, you have it wrong. God promotes those who work with the right motives and desires. Do others get ahead without right motives and desires? Of course, we all know they do. But God’s word is full of promises for those who honor Him. Proverbs says that a righteous person may fall (mess up, make mistakes) but that person gets up to face another day with God’s help. Righteousness pays is high dividends. God rewards those who are willing to take advice, accept criticism and learn from mistakes. Another part of God-honoring work is respect for your boss, those in authority over you. When you work for God, He will promote you and bring you success. Proverbs 22:29 says, “Do you know a hard-working man? He shall be successful and stand before kings!” 

Questions – Do you consider your work as worship? If you were working for a business owned by God, would you be proud of your diligence, integrity, and faithfulness on the job? In what ways do you feel you treat your work as worship? In what ways do you need to make some changes? Would your co-workers say you have a good work ethic? If so, explain. If not, explain.

Response – Consider your work. Write down things that you are doing that fall below God’s expectations of you. Write down the things that you are doing that honor God’s plan for your work. Now, determine to make changes in one or two areas at a time where you need to make a change. Ask God to help you.

Prayer – Dear Lord, help me to work for your glory. May my work reflect the love I have for you, and please allow doors of opportunity to open so that I can share my faith with my co-workers. I want to influence people for your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

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