Off To Work I Go

Today, I warn you that I will be using a four letter word that some of you might

not like: WORK!

Work gets mixed reviews, doesn’t it?

Some people work too much. We are a nation of workaholics. People working 50,60, hours a week to “get ahead.”

People who work early, stay late, and bring their work home with them.

One father kept bringing his work home with him and his 6-year-old asked him why. Daddy explained that he couldn’t finish it all during the day. The child thought for a moment and asked, “Then why don’t they just put you in a slower group?”

Some of us work too little. We are a nation that worships pleasure and entertainment.

Why should I work?

Maybe you’ve seen the bumper-sticker that says, “I owe, I owe, so off to work I

go.” That’s the reason lots of people go to work. But God has better ideas for

us.

I Corinthians 10:31

The “whatever” in this verse applies to your job. This is revolutionary. Do you

see what this verse says? Your whole life, including your secular job, can honor

God. We’ll see how that can happen in a few minutes.

Why should I work? … to honor the Lord.

II Thessalonians 3:10-12

Able-bodied people who choose to live in idleness and eat because of another

person’s sweat are in rebellion against God.

Why should I work? … to meet my needs. … to help the poor.

Ephesians 4:28

Why should I work? … to share the gospel.

Out there in the marketplace we rub shoulders with unbelievers. If we do our

work God’s way.

I Thessalonians 4:11-12

How should I work?

Let’s look at Proverbs, God’s book of wisdom. There is something here for the

homemaker, for the student… as well as the salesman or tradesman.

1. … work diligently.

Proverbs 10:4-Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Diligent workers overcome the tendency to make excuses.

Proverbs 26:13

Look at the excuses. Someone is being challenged to work hard. “I can’t. There’s

a lion in the road!” He always comes up with some excuse, some difficulty that

is “insurmountable.”

2. … work skillfully.

Proverbs 22:29

You might be standing before obscure men now – working in a small place. But

work on your skill. Take some classes. Read some books. Learn From the best.

3. … work wisely.

Lots of people put in the hours. They work hard, but they don’t work smart.

Proverbs 12:11-Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.

Proverbs 28:19-Who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases

fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

Frivolity-frivolous behavior: silly and trivial behavior or activities

Proverbs 13:4-Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied.