Go to Work
Today’s Verse:
Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. ~2 Thessalonians 3:12
Do you like to work? What kind of worker are you? Someone said there are three kinds of workers. For example, when a piano is to be moved, the first kind gets behind and pushes, the second pulls and guides, and the third grabs the piano stool. The Apostle Paul gave a command to the believers at Thessalonica on the importance of work.
We see the precept in work.
Work is first commanded in Genesis 2 when God placed Adam in charge of the Garden of Eden. God commanded him to dress and keep it. After Adam and Eve sinned, God told them, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread….” Work is a necessity. We work in order to eat and take care of our needs. Paul said, “…That with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” Work keeps us busy and away from sins of idleness, such as leeching off of other people, gossip, and being a busybody. To disdain work classifies a person as being slothful and lazy.
We see the practice in work.
There is a difference between working and holding a job. Holding a job means you are there to do the minimum to collect a paycheck. Work is when we put all of ourselves into our work and do an over-the-top performance. Solomon said, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might….” Our work should be done with diligence. Paul said that we should be “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Our work should be done with quietness. Don’t be a distraction to others by talking while you are working. Concentrate on your task and don’t draw attention to yourself. Our work should be done with integrity and honesty. Our work should be a good example to others – see v. 8. Our work should be arduous, and we should expect to do overtime when needed. Our work should be done until we are finished.
We see the profitability in work.
Work is personally rewarding. A Christian should desire to be productive and that his work is accomplishing something. Work is financially rewarding. You can provide for your family, have food on the table, and prudently plan for the future. Work is managerially rewarding. “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule….” This means that people who work hard tend to be looked up to as leaders and people of influence. Work is mentally rewarding. It makes you think, problem-solve, organize, and generate ideas. Work is glorifying to God! God is honored when His people work.
We see the promotion of work.
Paul said that “if any would not work, neither should he eat.” Solomon said of the virtuous woman, “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.” Jeremiah said of the youth, “It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.” Paul said of his efforts, “For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.” In summary, let’s go to work! Work is hard. Work is honest. Work is honorable.
Have a work-centric God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Song of Solomon 1-8