The Bible is crystal clear about work, it matters to God and God is the one who gives the ability to people to work.
Ephesians 4:28 says “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
It is important for us as Christian believers to know what the bible says about our work and how we should approach it.
Here are five key points about work from the Bible.
1. Work is part of God’s nature
God worked to create life (Genesis 2:3), Jesus worked (John 5:16) and Adam was sent to work in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15).
The Bible tells us that God created all things and after the fall of man, He continued to work towards the plan of redemption together with His son Jesus Christ.
Genesis 2:3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
2. Work Matters to God
Genesis 2:15 “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
Work matters to God as He has created us in His image to work and look after His creation till the end comes.
1 Timothy 5:8 “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
3. Use our God-given talents
Proverbs 12:11 “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”
God has given us unique skills, gifts, and talents that we have to use in our roles and activities in life.
Psalm 90:17 “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Our roles may be different in life but our calling is the same, it is a spiritual calling to serve the Lord.
4. Character and ethics in our work
Matthew 25:21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
The quality of our work depends on us and our faithfulness to God in the way we pursue that work.
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Our character can be seen in the way we work. We will be judged and rewarded accordingly.
5. We are yoked with Christ in our work
Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
When we work we must work like we are yoked to Jesus Christ.
The “foundation of His throne is Righteousness and Justice, with Love and Faithfulness going before Him.”
Romans 12:11-12 – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”