Labor for the Lord

Chuckle: Salesman: “This machine will cut your work in half.” Customer: “Great! I’ll take two!”

Quote: “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” –Theodore Roosevelt

“The desires of lazy people will be their ruin, for their hands refuse to work” (Proverbs 21:25 NLT). “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people” (Ephesians 6:7 NLT).

Employees in a Detroit business office found the following important notice on the bulletin board: “The management regrets that it has come to their attention that workers dying on the job are failing to fall down. This practice must stop, as it becomes impossible to distinguish between death and the natural movement of the staff. Any employee found dead in an upright position will be dropped from the payroll.” –Illustrations for Biblical Preaching; Edited by Michael P. Green

I found the above to be hilarious. But what a great reminder of our responsibility to work hard regardless of what we do as a profession or where we are on the “totem pole” of authority. Drawing on our Ephesians passage, lets reflect on these questions.

Do you work as if Jesus were your immediate supervisor rather than people?

As a supervisor, do you always treat your employees fairly and with respect?

Do you display responsibility and integrity in your profession at all times?

Can you be trusted to do your best even when the boss isn’t around?

Do you work hard with enthusiasm and take pride in your work?

Ultimately, Do you work in a way that honors and pleases our Heavenly Father?

Whether we are working at a secular job or vocational ministry to others in the name of Jesus Christ, let’s say with John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, “Leisure and I have parted company, I am resolved to be busy till I die.”

Let’s be hard-working Americans who continue to contribute to our quality of life; and also thank God for the privilege to work. “Free men freely work: whoever fears God fears to sit at ease.” –Elizabeth Barrett Browning 

Love, Jerry & Dotse