The Bible is the book of instruction on right living. It counsels humans on what it takes to live a fruitful and abundant life (have you read our article on birthdays and the Bible?). One of the key ingredients that God emphasizes when it comes to living right is the virtue of hard work. The Bible is never silent on work (as is on birthdays). In this article, we shall look at exactly what it says on this very important area of our lives. Read on to learn more about what the Bible says about hard work.
What You'll Learn Today
Work Was Ordained By God
In the book of Genesis, we see God inculcating work as part of the human routine. He created Adam and Eve and put them in the garden so that they work it out.
Genesis 2:15
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.“ (NIV)
When God created heaven and earth, he deliberately created humans last and gave them special responsibilities one of which is to work. Through hard work, Adam was to exercise his dominion over everything God had created on the face of the earth.
It Is Divine
The Bible implores us to be more like Jesus. In fact, part of the reason Jesus became incarnate is so that he can show us how we ought to live. Now Jesus was himself a carpenter just like his father.
Mark 6:3
“ Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offence at him” (NIV)
Jesus had an earthly occupation, he worked as a carpenter. This is one of the most practical illustrations that connect our earthly living with the divine purpose of God. He expects us to work hard even as we serve Him.
God himself demonstrated that He is a worker as recorded in Genesis 2:2
Our Attitude Should Reflect The Mastership Of Christ
When working, the Bible says that we should do so as if unto the Lord.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (NIV)
This is not just the standpoint of Paul as far as the Colossians are concerned. It is a call to all of us to approach work with diligence and the right attitude. Christ Jesus is the ultimate boss whom Christians are reporting to.
Work Is Part Of The Wealth Creation Process
God wants his people to be wealthy and he lays it down clearly on how they should go about this in Proverbs 10:4: Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. (NIV). In fact, he associates laziness with poverty.
Work Is A Means To Survival
The Bible encourages each one of us to work so that we can put food on the table.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'”
Nothing can be as plain as that. Working should precede consumption to those who are capable.
Rest Is Part Of A Healthy Work Routine
In the book of Genesis 2:2, we see God as having a schedule on when to work and when to rest. Time off is important for rejuvenation. If God needed it, I believe we need it more.
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day, he rested from all his work.
God Has A Role In Making Work Worthwhile
While there is an argument that intellect and hard work avails much, the Bible is clear in that God’s favour upon our lives is an important ingredient.
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” —Proverbs 16:3
Without God’s intervention, your hard work will not pay off.
Therefore it is crucial that in all the successes we enjoy we ought not to forget the contribution and involvement of the LORD. To him be all the glory forever and ever. Nothing ties this all up better than this verse of scripture.
“Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. “(Psalm 115:1, NIV)
