7 Principles of Hard Work in the Bible:

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Hard Work in the Bible: Work is God’s good idea

Even before the fall of man, work did exist. Adam was given the work of tending and taking care of the Garden of Eden before he got deceived by Satan and fell into sin.

Work is good in God’s eyes. God is a creative God and He has ordained that man who is created in His very image should work to reflect His glory, to provide for his own family and others. In Genesis, we read that God created everything and acknowledged that all that He created was good.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 

Hard Work in the Bible: God is pleased when you work for Him

God sees the attitude behind every action. Your attitude behind work matters to God. If you are working to please God rather than man, you are on the right track. No matter who your boss is, you must work as to the Lord. It is God who gave you your job, not your boss. God is your ultimate provider and so you work for Him.

Colossians 3:23 - And whatsoever you do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12- And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Ephesians 6:7 - With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

Hard Work in the Bible: God loves to work in and through you

God never wants us to make it all by our own strength. He works through His children and gets the glory for it. We can do nothing without God. God alone is our source of providence, strength and power.

Proverbs 16:3 - Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Hard Work in the Bible: Work for the glory of God

Intelligence and skills can be God’s gift to us. Using them in a God-honouring way is our gift back to God. Do we give our best effort in working both smart and hard for the singular purpose of bringing glory to God?

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Titus 2:7-8 - In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [showing] un-corruptness, gravity, sincerity, 

Hard Work in the Bible: All legitimate work will be rewarded

Do you find your work to be of little value? If your work is legitimate, then God doesn’t. Whether you are a sweeper or the president of the United States, you can bring glory to God through your work. God doesn’t use the scales that man uses.

Colossians 3:24 - Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Galatians 6:9 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

Proverbs 14:23 - In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury.

2 Timothy 2:6 - The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

Hard Work in the Bible: Laziness displeases God

Laziness is inactivity when you know that you are supposed to act. God will not accept lame excuses that we often give people for being lazy. Lazy people postpone or never accomplish what they are supposed to do. Laziness is squandering God-given gifts, talents, opportunities and resources.

Proverbs 13:4- The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

1 Timothy 5:8 - But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Philippians 2:14-15 - Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 

Proverbs 6:6-8- Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise

Hard Work in the Bible: Creativity glorifies the Creator

Creativity is a reflection of God’s ability. Be creative, work smart, work diligently and you will see the fruits of your labour. Wisdom and knowledge are good and God's Word encourages us to pursue them. Gaining and applying wisdom according to God’s will glorifies God.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

This Post: Hard Work in the Bible

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