• Biblical Principles Of Work

  Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Oct 15, 2019 (message contributor)

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  Scripture:  Genesis 1:28

  Tags:  Work, Business

  Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

1) Work is ordained by God. It was His creative invention from the beginning. By working, we resemble God. Like God, you have the ability to work, make plans, implement them, and be creative. Additionally, God gave us the task of ruling over and taking care of His creation (Genesis 1:28). 

2) Work is for a lifetime. “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground” (Genesis 3:19). God intends that humans are to work as long as they live. The magical age of retirement shouldn't end meaningful work.

3) Work is not a punishment. God did not create work as drudgery, but as a gift of fulfillment. A human being “can do nothing better than find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment” (Eccl. 2:24-25).

4) Work has 3 purposes: to provide resources to supply the necessities of life; to provide for a quality of life in the satisfaction of doing a job well; and to be able to give to others and to God’s Kingdom. 

5) Work calls for obedience. Even when the boss isn't looking, a good worker is consistent and diligent to the task and loyal to the organization (Colossians 3:22). The real boss is Jesus Christ.

6) Work should be done with excellence. You are to render service, as to the Lord, and not to men (Eph. 6:6-7); not to be men-pleasers but God-pleasers.

7) Work is honorable. All professions and all kinds of work, assuming they are legal and biblically ethical, are honorable before the Lord. There is no dichotomy between sacred and secular work. All work brings glory to God and fulfillment to you, if it is done to God's glory (1 Cor. 10:31). 

8) Work provides an opportunity for witness. approach to work. The world today needs this powerful witness to the reality of Christ and the difference that He makes in His followers. (Matt. 5:16)

9) Work is an area of our lives that we will give an account to the Lord (II Cor. 5:9-11). "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."