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What Does the Bible Say About Work? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Work?

Introduction

Work is a fundamental part of our lives, occupying much of our time and energy. As Christians, it is essential to understand what the Bible says about work and how to apply its principles in our daily lives.

The Bible provides guidance and wisdom on how to approach our work, view it as a means of service, and honor God in all that we do.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about work and its various aspects, including the value of hard work, the importance of rest, and ethical work practices. We will also consider how our work can impact others and how we can seek to honor God in the workplace.

Whether you are a student, a homemaker, or a professional, this blog post will provide practical insights and inspiration for how to approach your work with a biblical perspective.

Ultimately, this blog post aims to help Christians view their work as a means of service to God and others, recognize the importance of rest, and prioritize ethical work practices.

By applying these biblical principles in our work, we can find meaning and purpose in our daily tasks and reflect the love of Christ to those around us.

work in the Bible

Biblical Overview of Work

The biblical overview of work encompasses three main stages: creation, the fall, and redemption.

Creation and Work

In Genesis 1:28, God created Adam and Eve and blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

God’s mandate required work, creativity, and stewardship. Adam and Eve were to care for the garden of Eden, cultivate the land, and care for the animals.

The Fall and Work

Unfortunately, after Adam and Eve sinned, work became more difficult. In Genesis 3:17-19, God said to Adam, “Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil, you shall eat of it all the days of your life.

Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread till you return to the ground.” Work became harder, and the ground produced thorns and thistles, making it harder to produce food and resources.

Redemption and Work

Through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, we have been redeemed from sin and death. As a result, our work can also be redeemed.

Colossians 3:23-24 says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord, you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” When we work, we can do it for the glory of God, and our work can have eternal significance.

God’s View of Work

As we consider God’s view of work, we can look to the Bible for guidance on how to approach our work.

Work as Service to God

Our work can be an act of service to God. In Colossians 3:17, it says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

When we work, we can view it as an opportunity to serve God by serving others. This perspective can help us to find meaning and purpose in our work and to prioritize serving others over personal gain.

Work as Means of Provision

Work can also be a means of provision. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Our work can provide for our basic needs, as well as the needs of our family and others.

This perspective can help us to see our work as a means of stewardship, using the resources God has provided to care for ourselves and others.

Work as Means of Developing Character

Through our work, we can develop character traits like discipline, perseverance, and integrity.

In James 1:2-4, it says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Our work can be a means of testing and developing our character. As we face challenges in our work, we can grow in our faith and develop virtues that will serve us well in all areas of life.

Work as Means of Impacting Others

Finally, our work can impact others positively. In Matthew 5:16, it says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our work can be a means of sharing the love of Christ with others and showing them what it means to live out our faith in practical ways.

This perspective can help us to approach our work with a sense of mission and purpose, seeking to make a positive impact in the world around us.

The Value of Hard Work

As we consider the value of hard work, we can look to the Bible for examples and principles to guide us.

Biblical Examples of Hard Work

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who worked hard to accomplish their goals. For example:

  • Joseph worked hard as a slave and in prison, ultimately becoming Pharaoh’s right-hand man in Egypt (Genesis 39-41).
  • Ruth worked hard to provide for herself and her mother-in-law, gleaning in the fields (Ruth 2).
  • Paul worked hard to spread the gospel, even when faced with persecution and imprisonment (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

These examples show us that hard work can lead to success and that we can accomplish great things when we put in the effort.

The Consequences of Laziness

The Bible also warns us of the consequences of laziness. Proverbs 13:4 says, “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”

Laziness can lead to poverty, missed opportunities, and even spiritual stagnation. This perspective can motivate us to work hard and avoid complacency.

Practical Tips for Working Hard

If we want to work hard and honor God in our work, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

  • Set goals and prioritize tasks. Setting clear goals can help us to focus our efforts and work efficiently.
  • Avoid procrastination and distractions. Procrastination and distractions can undermine our productivity and lead to missed deadlines and opportunities.
  • Take breaks and rest when necessary. Rest is essential for our well-being and can help us to recharge and refocus.
  • Seek feedback and learn from mistakes. Feedback and constructive criticism can help us to grow and improve our work.
  • Persevere through challenges and setbacks. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but perseverance can help us to overcome them and succeed in our work.

Work and Rest

As we consider the relationship between work and rest, we can look to the Bible for guidance on how to balance these two essential aspects of our lives.

God’s Example of Rest

In Genesis 2:2-3, it says, “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.”

God Himself rested after His work was completed, setting an example for us to follow. This perspective can remind us that rest is not just a luxury but a necessary aspect of our lives.

The Sabbath Principle

In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to observe the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship. In Exodus 20:8-10, it says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God.”

While we may not observe the Sabbath in the same way, today, we can still honor God by setting aside time for rest and worship. This perspective can help us to prioritize rest and spiritual renewal in our lives.

The Importance of Rest in Work

Rest is not just a luxury; it is a necessary part of our lives. When we neglect rest, we can experience burnout, stress, and health problems. In Psalm 127:2, it says, “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.”

As we work, we should also prioritize rest and self-care. This perspective can help us to maintain our physical, emotional, and spiritual health and to work more effectively and efficiently.

Honoring God in the Workplace

As Christians, we should seek to honor God in all areas of our lives, including the workplace. Here are a few biblical principles and practices related to honoring God in our work.

Biblical Principles for Honoring God at Work

  • Be honest and truthful in all your dealings (Proverbs 11:1). Honesty and integrity are essential aspects of our Christian faith, and we should strive to live out these principles in our work.
  • Treat others with respect and kindness (Ephesians 4:32). We should treat our colleagues, customers, and clients with respect and kindness, reflecting the love of Christ in our interactions with others.
  • Work with diligence and excellence (Proverbs 22:29). We should approach our work with a sense of excellence, doing our best to produce high-quality work that reflects positively on ourselves and our employers.
  • Use your talents and resources for God’s glory (1 Peter 4:10-11). Our talents and resources are gifts from God, and we should use them to serve others and bring glory to God in our work.

Ethical Work Practices

  • Avoid unethical practices, such as stealing, lying, and cheating (Ephesians 4:28). We should always act with honesty and integrity, avoiding any actions that are dishonest or unethical.
  • Respect the authority and policies of your employer (Ephesians 6:5-8). We should respect the authority of our employers and follow their policies and guidelines unless they conflict with our Christian faith.
  • Seek to resolve conflicts and disagreements in a respectful and biblical manner (Matthew 18:15-17). When conflicts or disagreements arise in the workplace, we should seek to resolve them in a respectful and biblical manner, following the principles of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Dealing with Conflict in the Workplace

  • Seek to understand the perspectives and needs of others (James 1:19). When conflicts arise; we should seek to understand the perspectives and needs of others, listening carefully and seeking to find common ground.
  • Avoid gossip and slander (Ephesians 4:29). Gossip and slander are destructive and hurtful, and we should avoid them at all costs, instead seeking to build up and encourage others in the workplace.
  • Forgive others and seek reconciliation when possible (Matthew 5:23-24). When conflicts arise, we should seek to forgive others and seek reconciliation, reflecting the forgiveness and grace that we have received from God.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible provides valuable insights and guidance on work, highlighting its importance as an act of service to God and others, a means of provision, a way to develop character, and a means of impacting others.

By understanding and applying these principles, Christians can approach their work with a sense of purpose and meaning, seeking to honor God in all that they do.

Additionally, we have seen that hard work, rest, and ethical work practices are essential aspects of our work as Christians. By valuing hard work, prioritizing rest, and seeking to honor God in our workplace practices, we can reflect the love of Christ to those around us and impact the world for good.

Ultimately, our work is an opportunity to serve God and others, and we should approach it with a sense of mission and purpose, seeking to make a positive impact in the world around us. May we seek to apply these biblical principles in our work and bring glory to God in all that we do.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.