Daily Devo - Monday, August 13, 2007

"He who gathers in the summer
is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps in harvest
is a son who brings shame."
- Proverbs 10:5 (ESV)

Did you know the Bible teaches us the value and importance of hard work? The book of Proverbs is full of statements praising the hard worker, and condemning the lazy. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul even boldly declares that "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" (1 Thessalonians 3:10, ESV).

Why is working hard so important? I mean, come on! We have been taught all our lives that the spiritual activities of a Christian are witnessing, bible study, worship, and prayer (ok, we can probably add fellowship too so long as Miss Betty doesn't bring that thing she calls 'casserole surprise'). Work is part of our "earthly" lives, so why would God care?

I think the reason is because he created us to find joy in work. Work isn't part of the Fall, it is part of creation. Genesis 1:15 tells us that God put mankind in the Garden of Eden "to work it and keep it" (ESV). Due to the Fall, work has become burdensome and difficult (Gen 3:17-19). What God had created to give us a sense of purpose and joy, we have turned into something to be avoided.

The writer of Proverbs, and the Apostle Paul, is calling us back to God's original intention for your life. Do you recognize that you are to bring glory to God as you enjoy working hard?

The next time you go to work, realize that when you work hard in a spirit of joy and thanksgiving you bring honor to your Lord. There is nothing more spiritual than that.

Prayer

Merciful Father,
Thank you for creating me for your glory.
May I find joy in my work duties today,
may I bring honor to your holy name.
Amen.