In order to survive and to provide for our families, we spend a lot of time at work. Many households are working to pay off credit cards and other debt. In fact, work has been around since the beginning of creation. As mentioned in Genesis 2:15, Adam worked in the garden of Eden. But God was a gracious God, and work was not difficult for humankind at first. Work changed after Adam and Eve succumbed to the serpent's temptation. (Genesis 3:17-19). Work is expected Nevertheless, God expects us to work. It is mentioned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. In Exodus 20:9, the Ten Commandments instruct us, "Six days you shall labor and do all your work." (NIV) Paul reinforces it in his letter to the Thessalonians. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the rule, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." (NIV) Unfortunately, many of us are not happy with our present jobs. We need to look to the Scriptures to help us find satisfaction with where the Lord has us at this point in our lives. We need to remember that although we may have bosses or supervisors at our jobs, we really work for God. Colossians 3:23 tells us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (NIV) If we imagine God as our boss, we might all approach our jobs differently. We are expected to work hard. The Bible is full of references to the benefits of hard work. Proverbs 10:4 and Proverbs 14:23 say that hard work brings wealth. Proverbs 18:9 equates laziness with destruction. In 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9, Paul said that work keeps us from being a burden to others. Equally important In performing our work, we should remember that there are no small parts in God's Kingdom. As mentioned in Ephesians 2:10, we have all been chosen by God to do different tasks, and they are all equally important. This concept not different in our daily professions. A CEO is just as important as a custodian. A corporation could not function properly if either position were left vacant. Don't look down upon yourself or your job because it may not be considered glamorous by society's standards. We can never forget that we are not in control - God is. He is in control of our successes at work. In Genesis 39:2-5, God made Joseph successful in Egypt. Joseph's master and his household saw prosperity because Joseph had God's favor. God controls our promotions, as well. Psalm 75:6-7 reads, "No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another." (NIV) It is perfectly fine to set goals and to make plans for our lives and careers. God doesn't want us to just sit back. But we should be prayerful about our goals and decisions. We should make sure that our plans are in line with God's purpose for our lives. Only then will we see the results we expect. As Proverbs 16:3 instructs, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (NIV)
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