Since we have been talking about the importance of giving and storing up our treasures in Heaven, I thought it would also be important to discuss the purpose of work.
Most Americans work. Some people work because they have to, while others enjoy their jobs. Some people wrap their identity in the value of their work. Their work validates them and makes them feel important. Many like having the paycheck from their work so that they can pay necessary bills while others use their income to “keep up with the Jones.” There is no doubt about it; working is an important and valuable part of our society. Many adults spend the majority of their time at work, so let’s take a quick look at what the Bible says about working.
1. Work keeps us productive and allows us to meet physical needs. (2 Thess 3:6-13)
In this scripture the Apostle Paul makes it clear that working and being productive is the right thing to do. Christians should not be idle, meaning that they should not waste their time.
We should be able and willing to work so that we can pay for the resources that are needed (ex. food, clothing, shelter, water, etc). In this way, we will not burden others.
The driving rule is presented in verse 10:”If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
2. Work as a means of revealing your faith to others. (James 2:18, 22,24)
Our faith in Jesus is a free gift from God and offers an assurance of our salvation. We cannot work or earn our way into Heaven. The Treasure Principle is not about getting brownie points with God! On the contrary, when we work out of thanksgiving of the grace that we have received, our faith is fully realized by others. Who knows whether our work or our behavior in the work place will draw a co-worker closer to God?
3. Work allows us to share the love of Christ and give to those in need. (1 John 3:16-18)
Christ showed his love for us by sacrificially giving up his life. We, too, are called to lay down our lives for others. Our love should be evident in our actions as a result of the truth found in the Bible. We are called to love God and love others (Mark 12:30-31).
Verse 17 gives us a question to contemplate: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him (meaning the one who has no pity)?”
The big picture is that the Bible does not state that working is simply for our personal pleasure or to give us more of what we want. As a matter of fact, it clearly speaks against that belief, which is contrary to our cultural beliefs. If we want to approach our jobs, money, and responsibilities from a Biblical prospective, we have to intentionally work against the culture that tells us to please ourselves with the fruits of our labor. The Bible says that we should glorify (honor, praise, give thanks) God with our “work” and with the results of our work.
What is your prospective of work? Has it changed since reviewing TTP?
© Natasha L. Robinson 2011
You may also like:
TTP – Chapter 4 Roadblocks to Giving
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 
Biblical truth of Work from the Book of James:
James 1:14-18, 4:3-4, 5:1-5.
You make an interesting point “Who knows whether our work or our behavior in the work place will draw a co-worker closer to God?”
I recently have been batteling with “work.” I dont have a problem working, rather my issue is the job assisgnment I have. I honestly belive that God blessed me with my position. I say this because of the manner I received this assigment. I passed the test (which surprised me) which granted me an interview. Then the person that interviewd me, I actually knew from a previous job and he actually helped me with interview question responses. Lastly, one person who reccommended me for the position was a “Renee cheerleader.” All of this did not come by who I know or what I did, but that God was setting me up for this position.
To your point, A friend suggested to me: I know that it is ruff going somewhere when the call of God is pulling but it does not seem as if God has let you go just yet meaning that He still have something there for you to do. Let me encourage you to pray in that direction and seek God’s face for what He will have you do while …. it may a soul there that needs you to minister too.
I know that God is preparing me for a better position. I spoke to God about my struggles, becuase I am literally struggling with different things this job throws my way. To understand I work with customers in technincal support/customer service. But during this conversation I heard God say, Renee stop complaining, do the job, work unto me not unto man. I have something better planned for you. So I take comfort in this and scripture to help me get through my work day.
Amen, Renee! Take comfort that God is with us in the midst of our trials and the valleys. God knows you fully and has a purpose for everything that has entered your life. Read Psalm 139:1-18. We can certainly rest in the comfort of his word. Love, Tasha