WORK: BLESSING OR CURSE?

Yes, that is our granddaughter Naomi chopping wood for their wood stove in Chile—good work.

Yes, that is our granddaughter Naomi chopping wood for their wood stove in Chile—good work.


In our day many people have as their goal in life to come to a place of ease and comfort with that happening sooner than later. For those of us who are concerned about what God says about our lives we find that the Bible makes some very strong statements about work. One of my favorites from Colossians 3: 23-24 says, “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.” John Wesley commented on the word “heartily”—”Cheerfully, diligently. Menpleasers are soon dejected and made angry: the single-hearted are never displeased or disappointed; because they have another aim, which the good or evil treatment of those they serve cannot disappoint.”

But, the Bible also instructs us in many others aspects of work such as how many days we should work and what kind of examples we should follow. Contrasts often help us see more clearly the side of an issue we are trying to understand and in this way what work looks like becomes more defined to us as we look at laziness from a Biblical perspective.

Plan to join us this Thursday morning as we specifically consider “Proverbs’ Words on Work.” Nothing is superior to knowing what God has to say concerning the issues of life.