Work Ethic is essential
Here’s a perplexing question. Is working hard still “work” when you enjoy it?
I’m not so sure. When work is something you enjoy doing, I would consider it a fulfilling and rewarding part of life.
Not only that, but it also lines up with scripture and God’s intention for how we should spend a good portion of our time.
See in some of these examples here:
•Serving the Lord in your work
Colossians 3:17 ESV
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
•Don’t be lazy
Romans 12:11-12 NLT
“Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”
Proverbs 13:4
“The slacker wants it all and ends up with nothing, but the hard worker ends up with all that he longed for.”
•Don’t just talk about your work, be about it
Proverbs 14:23-24 TPT
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.”
•The difference between working hard and over-working, which scripture does not condone (I wanna put distinct focus on this one, because sometimes when we lose sight of the true goal, to bring delight to God, we run the risk of making work into an idol)
Psalms 127:1-2 TPT
“If God’s grace doesn’t help the builders, they will labor in vain to build a house. If God’s mercy doesn’t protect the city, all the sentries will circle it in vain. It really is senseless to work so hard from early morning till late at night, toiling to make a living for fear of not having enough. God can provide for his lovers even while they sleep!”
To add to few examples, along with other numerous times that scripture talks about work, I thought I would add this too.
Think about this illustration…
I think anyone one who has seen an NFL game can agree that there is work involved. A lot of work. Running, tackling, juking, etc. But we don’t call it a football work, we call it a game. Because what is the focus of this event…play. I know for many guys who play professionally, money is obviously the main motivator. But I’m sure many of them wouldn’t be in the NFL if they didn’t genuinely enjoy playing football. And just like how it is in the NFL, play can be serious and intense, but at the core of it there is enjoyment, excitement, and fun.
So why not take a similar approach with our work?…
It can be work if we make it “work”. But when we make it fun, or when we realize there is deep meaning behind it, we open ourselves up a new realm of possibilities. Work is no longer a burden or a boredom, it is a place of pleasure, focus, and success. All at the same time.
