Called to Work

 Colossians 3:23

23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

I grew up as a child of the 80’s. I was born in 1980 so I really think I got to experience

the best of two decades in my childhood. I remember the influx of popularity of MTV.

One of the most popular songs and a song I enjoyed was sung by Dire Straits and was

called “Money for Nothing.” The song talked about two hard working guys wanting to be rock stars because they got “money for nothing and their chicks for free…”

When we look at today’s society, that is very much the world we live in. More and more people it seems are looking for a handout or are looking for the easiest way to make a buck. The “easy life” is glorified and strived for even among members of the church.

That is so contrary to what Scripture teaches us! Look at the following verses from Proverbs alone. Scripture speaks for itself on the topic very strongly.

Proverbs 12:11 (HCSB)

11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.

So many people wonder why they are in need or are financially poor. Now, that hits all of us. I know in my life, that hit me strong even when I was working three jobs so being in need is not always the fault of laziness, but when we are in need and it seems like things are not working out, we do need to ask ourselves, what can I do to help in this situation. Definitely go to the Lord in prayer, and He will provide your needs but one way God provides our needs is by providing us opportunities for work. I know when I prayed to the Lord recently to help with my families finances, He opened up the opportunity for me to work overtime and I’ve jumped on it and it has been the needed blessing that my family has needed. Sometimes, God does not answer with a hand out but He will open opportunities, use others, and use many different circumstances to answer our prayers.

Proverbs 13:4

4 The soul of a lazy ​man​ desires, and ​has​ nothing;

But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.

Proverbs 12:24

The hand of the diligent will rule,

But the lazy ​man​ will be put to forced labor.

Proverbs 14:23

23

In all labor there is profit,

But idle chatter ​leads​ only to poverty.

Proverbs 6:10-12

10 A little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to sleep—

11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,

And your need like an armed man.

Scripture gives us very strong warnings for those who will not work. Laziness is not acceptable by Scripture. While there may be conditions in our life that may prevent us from working, for those of us who are able to work, we should. This is a biblical mandate.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 says,

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

Wow! Scripture actually says if one who has the ability to work will not work, then that person should not eat. God does not want us to live an ungrateful life. 

Man has proven that the majority of the time when one lives with handouts, greed comes more and more. For those who are truly in need, we usually see gratefulness come from their life, but also determination. Those types of folks usually show determination to work and better their lives. God speaks strongly against those that continue to live a life of laziness and waller though when they can take the initiative and work.

One of the harshest warnings that come from Scripture comes from 1 Timothy 5:8. I’m going to close with this verse and let it be a motivator for us in our lives.

8 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.

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