God created us with the ability to labor. Not in vain or as slaves. But to provide for our needs. We are given the ability to work to live. God intended our labors to be for our well-being. “And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.” Ecclesiastes 3:13.
I have always (with the exception of about three years of my adult life) worked in non-union positions. Typically these are management confidential positions that are difficult to obtain. As long as the supervisor is happy with the employee, they will maintain their position. This often requires the employee to work very long, hard hours, and to do anything asked and /or required. If not, they would be unemployed. I often worked far more than expected/or required.
And that did not change during this time of quarantine and working from home. My work days have started very early (5-5:30 a.m.) in the morning since being at home. And unfortunately, I would often find myself still sitting there at 4:30 in the afternoon with few (if any) breaks. This is not healthy.
Our oldest son (who values time with his family more than just about any man I know) once told me, “Mom, I work to live. I don’t live to work.” Yes, God created us to be able to work to live, but not to live to work.
King Solomon drifted away from God and he built an incredible empire for himself. But, toward the end of his reign and life, he began to realize that it was all futile and worthless. King Solomon also found that what motivated people in working, striving, and laboring was the envy of others and their possessions. “And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:4.
He addressed laboring in vain as well as a slothful and lazy work ethic. And he summarizes by saying don’t be lazy and don’t work like a mad man… work to live (Paraphrasing here 😉 ). “Fools fold their idle hands, leading them to ruin. Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:5-6.
The scriptures say that we are to do everything as though we are working for the Lord. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” Colossians 3:23. But does that mean we should spend our lives in the work place? Of course not.
And let’s be honest. Those of us who work hours above and beyond those required are not doing it to glorify God. We are typically doing it for our reputation. So then, who are we serving? “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10.
Or we are doing it for money. Also, not of God. “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6:24.
Perhaps we are working above and beyond for material gain. But that is not glorifying to God, nor is it what He would have for us. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,” Matthew 6:19.
We are called to be good stewards of all that God gives us. That is not just our money. It is also our time and even the days of our lives. God wants us to do things in moderation… even work. “You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12.
Those hours that we are working above and beyond the time required are precious. They are hours that could be spent working for God. Those around us need to see and hear about God. We could be spending those hours that we are working sharing Jesus Christ with them.
So, will we live to work? Or will we work to live?
Father God, forgive us. Material things will rust and moths will eat them. Forgive us for chasing after them, Father. And forgive us for making money an idol. Father, forgive us for wasting those limited precious hours and days that You have given us. Teach us to utilize them for Your glory and for the advancement of the Kingdom. “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” Psalm 90:12 (NLT).
Help us, Holy Spirit, to work to live and not live to work. We pray these things in your precious name Jesus, amen.
Are you working to acquire material things? Perhaps you are working to obtain more money. Are you working to obtain a good reputation? Are you living to work? God will provide for your needs. Trust Him. He wants to forgive you, adopt you, and show you more love than you have ever known. He wants to provide you with eternal life in heaven with Him. And the work that He has for you is far more rewarding than any you have ever done before. Please go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/). Please pray the prayer that is outlined there. Through it, God will forgive your sins and you will begin a life of walking with Jesus. Life doesn’t get any better than that.
Please reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com, once you have prayed that prayer. You can also reach out to me with any questions. I’d love to hear from you and be in prayer for you.
Luv Ya!
