Work Matters
Performance = After 17 hours of work 0.05% blood alcohol
What does God say about work?
1. Work is part of God’s big picture God created all things God is progressing the created order Creation starts in a perfect garden and ends in a perfect city 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” Genesis 1:27-28
2. Our Actual Work Matters to God God created us in His image God calls us to work and tend the created order Work itself has intrinsic value 15 The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. Genesis 2:15
3. God Provides Us With Unique Skills God has given us gifts and talents God calls us to particular roles and activities Our role is a spiritual calling, there are no second-class callings from God 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 4 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. Exodus 31:3-4
4. Quality, Character, and Ethics are Foundational to Work We are responsible for the quality of our work We are responsible for our faithfulness to our work God is ultimately responsible for the outcome and impact of our work 21 "The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!’ Matthew 25:21
5. Our Work is Yoked with Christ Aligned with God’s moral standards Concerned with the fair treatment of others Clear expression of God’s love 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
6. Our Work Should Be Centered on Service to Others Opportunity to seek peace and well-being Humility and gratitude – hallmark of our character Time to consider Christ and our relationship to Him 3 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3,4
7. A Rhythm of Work and Rest is Essential to Life God invites us into a deliberate pattern of regular rest Periods of rest are intended to be restorative We are God’s ambassadors 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Matthew 15:4
8. The Use of What We Have Directed to God God provides us with resources through our work Our resources are for bettering God’s Kingdom Our Return on Investment: gifts, time, financial capability and influence 16 And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16
9. Multiplication Through Relationships and Local Church Relationships for support and accountability Mentoring and being mentored Bring world of work into the church and the church into the world of work 27 All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27
10. Work is a Gift From God Are we happy in what we do? Labour springing from envy of others is meaningless Are we practicing now for what we will do in eternity? Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now . Ecclesiastes 5:19,20 (MSG)
The universal call to work is a calling to life, not only to work
Recommend
More recommend
