Every Good Gift Comes From His Hand
Something that I`m grateful that my parents tried to teach us growing up is to have a good work ethic. I grew up hearing phrases like, “Many hands make light work.” And “You don’t work, you shouldn’t eat.” Although work is something that can be difficult at times…Scripture has a lot to say about working hard. I can have joy in the tasks that He has given me. I`ve learned that there are blessings that come with working hard. The Lord has redeemed me and has given me instructions on how to conduct my life in a way that pleases Him. These instructions are found in His word and as a believer, it is my job to be a good steward of what He has graciously given.
I remember the weekends during the summer when my family and I would have a lot of work to get done. We would all pitch in to get a job done and at the end of the day we would come together to eat supper. It was always a sweet time of fellowship after a day of hard work. Although we spent the day working out in the hot sun, either mowing grass or doing various types of yard work, it always felt good to work outside, especially with loved ones. There was a sense of accomplishment and joy that came at the end of the day when we gathered together for a meal and thanked the Lord for everything that He had given. I remember an aspect of my dad`s prayers when we would pray together, he would say, “We know that every good gift comes from Your hands” (James 1:17). When we work it is a good chance to praise the Lord, and thank Him for the opportunity to work for Him. We can also benefit from the fruit of a laborious task, which is another reason we must thank Him. The Bible has a lot to say about working hard for the Lord as opposed to approaching life with a lazy and self-centered attitude.
What Does The Bible Say About Working Hard?
It`s interesting to note that work existed before sin entered into the world (Genesis 2:15). God placed Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden to care for and maintain it. Work was part of what God said was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Work was meant to be a good thing and it wasn’t until after the fall that it became difficult.
One of the first verses that comes to my mind when I think about the work that I need to accomplish is Colossians 3:23-25. It says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” As a believer, it is so important to remember who you belong to and who you serve (1 Corinthians 6:20). God has redeemed us and given us much more than we deserve, so let us serve Him with joy in the tasks that He has set before us.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
What Does The Bible Say About Being Lazy Or Idle?
The Apostle Paul planted a church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey (Acts 15-18). Paul and his coworkers were driven out by the Jews who rejected the Gospel and Paul was writing to the Believers, out of concern for their perseverance under persecution (1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4). In his second letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul is writing to warn them against false teaching concerning the day of the Lord. This is evident because he begins chapter two warning them about deception and false teaching (2.1-3). In addition to that, Paul also writes to them about laziness and being a busybody which probably stems from their lack of understanding concerning end times.
Paul addresses the issue of laziness and the consequences therein. There were some believers in the church acting contrary to Paul`s example of working hard and being self-supporting, rather, they were busybodies.
2 Thessalonians 3:6, “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.”
Paul tells them that people who are consistently being lazy and refuse to work should not be associated with. Scripture warns that laziness could lead to various issues such as poverty, hunger, bondage, and being a busy body (Prov. 12:9; 6:6; 23:21; Rom. 12:11; 1 Tim. 5:13).
I love that I can rest assured that God knows what is best for me and he tells me things out of a heart of love for me and our relationship. As any good Father instructs His children on how to live well, my Heavenly Father cares enough to tell me how to live my life.
Why Should Believers Work Hard?
Having a good work ethic can be a beautiful testimony of God`s love for those around us (Matthew 5:16). We work out of a heart of love for Him because He loved us first (1 John 4:19). We can bring glory and honor to the Lord by doing our jobs well.
Although working hard for the Lord is a good thing, taking time to rest and be with family is also a good thing. Investing in the people around you is just as important as working hard (Matthew 11:28; 1 Peter 5:7).
Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever you find to do with your hands do it with all your might…”
At Ethnos360 Bible Institute, we desire to be a part of God`s plan in bringing people from all nations to know Him. We are motivated by the love of Christ and we value having a firm foundation in our understanding of the Bible. At EBI, you will spend two years studying God`s Word and learning about His heart for all people and how we can best serve Him in the tasks that He has graciously given us. Request your free information packet today!
