Monday August 15, 2011

Read Exodus 20:9-11, Ephesians 4:28

 

Stewardship at Work

Our stewardship of time and talent is directly related to the way we approach our occupations. Problems like low wages, job insecurity, boredom, and strained relationships give most people a feeling of dissatisfaction and un-fulfilment in their work. Because of these frustrations, they may work as little as possible or simply endure their jobs, living for the end of the day and the weekend. Others swing to the opposite extreme and make their work all-consuming. Like workaholics who say, "Thank God it's Monday," they sacrifice their spiritual or family life on the altar of their career.

 

The Biblical perspective of work can help us avoid these extremes and give us a sense of purpose and satisfaction even when outward circumstances look bad.  Here are some of the important scriptural principles that relate to your work:

 

There is real value in honest work. Creative work was part of man's original purpose; it did not begin as a result of the fall (Genesis 2:5, 15). The entrance of sin changed the character of work (Genesis 3:17-19), but it is still more of a blessing than a bane because it develops our potential and provides a creative and productive outlet for us as people made in the image of God. The dignity in work is seen in the fact that it reflects God's work in creation (Exodus 20:9-11). In addition, there is no biblical warrant for placing mental work in a higher category than manual work--the God-Man Himself was a carpenter. "The New Testament does not support any social approach which makes it impossible for someone

1. to have pride in his work" (Donald Guthrie, New Testament Theology).

2. The concept of work is related not only to creation but also to redemption.  Christ laboured to accomplish our salvation (see Luke 22:44; John 4:34; 5:17; 9:4; 17:4).

3. Because of His redemptive work, we can experience the true freedom which comes from being His servants. We can bear fruit in every good work (Colossians. 1:10; cf. 2 Thess. 2:17; 2 Tim. 2:21) through His power which works within us (Col. 1:29; cf. Eph. 2:10; 3:20; Phil. 2:13; 1 Thess. 1:3).

4. Work is a God-ordained means of providing for our own physical needs and those of others. "Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labour, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need" .

5. Our identity is not determined by our work but by our position in Christ. Many people define themselves in terms of their job and their performance.  This is a mistake, because the Scriptures tell us that who we are is more fundamental than what we do. It is the former which should give meaning to the latter, and not vice-versa. "Unless you shape your work, your work will shape you"  (Udo Middleman, Pro-Existence).

6. God expects us to work hard, but not to overwork. While slothfulness is condemned in both testaments, it is just as wrong to get so wrapped up in our work that we lose sight of our highest priority to, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).

7. Our vocations are a major part of our ministries. All work, whether "secular" or "Christian," should be done to the glory of God. "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" (Col. 3:23-24; see Romans 14:7-8; 1 Cor. 10:31). The attitude of working for God rather than for men can make us better stewards of our time and efforts at work. It can overcome the anger and bitterness that comes from working under people who treat us unfairly. "Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favour, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly" (1 Peter 2:18-19). Employees are responsible to render service as unto the Lord and to be obedient and faithful in the use of company time (see 1 Tim. 6:1-2). Employers are responsible to treat their people with respect and equity, to pay them a fair wage, and to be sensitive to their needs (see Leviticus 19:13; Col. 4:1).

Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And, masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him

1. (Ephesians 6:5-9).

2. Through our work, we can become stewards of God and servants of our neighbours. In this way, the spiritual dimension is added to the secular; by the grace of God, human tasks take on a new value. "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Colossians 3:17).

3. Because we are answerable to God, we should strive for excellence in our work (Galatians 6:4). We should seek to become skilful craftsmen at what we do.  God is more concerned with quality than quantity, and it is better to do a few things with excellence than many things with mediocrity.

What is your current attitude to work? How has it changed after reading this?

 

 

Prayer:

> Pray for those in your congregation that are struggling with temptation’s in the western world and that we will look back and focus on the more important things and all the blessing we have in our society.

> Pray that the children we are sponsoring through Compassion will grow and mature into a strong faith that changes the world they live in.