Work - Part 1
Scripture Reading - 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 KJV
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
Greetings fellow believer in the Mighty Name of Jesus today’s lesson will focus on “Work”. Yes, the basic principle of “working” is God’s idea. In the very beginning we see in Genesis chapter 1 that God created, God said, God saw, God called, God made, God set and God blessed. In other words God “worked” because Genesis 2:3 said on the seventh day God rested from all “His work” which God created and made. Since God leads by example we read certain verses in Genesis chapter 2 where as soon as God created man He immediately gave man a job which included his purpose while upon the earth at that time. We later read in Genesis 3 that man lost his job and thus he also lost a portion of his purpose. Yes, man was created to “work” and according to the Holy Word of God we should “work” unto the Lord because He is the rewarder of all faithful members of the Family of God. Notice the words of Colossians 3:22-24 KJV which state, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. We first recognize that servants obeying their masters are talking about “workers” obeying their bosses (manager, leader, supervisor, etc…). This didn’t mention anything about agreeing with your boss only obedience is called out. We (ihlcc) have found if one will obey their boss with the right joyful attitude of being eager to please their boss they will typically grow in favor with their boss producing job security and healthier raises. This positive feature of showing the utmost respect for your leader is showing humility because you don’t back talk to those in authority over you. This type of behavior pleases God and we all know according to the scripture being humble puts you in position for promotion in due season.-Proverbs 29:23 Keeping your mouth away from inappropriate sarcasm and strife is key and that is why 1 Thessalonians 4:11 KJV tell us we must study to be quiet and mind our own business:, “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.” Yes it is imperative for us as Born Again Children of God to act like Jesus. We (ihlcc) believe our “work ethic” will have a greater impact on those we “work” with rather than our vocal witness of Jesus because people tend to believe how you act over what you say with your mouth. This is why many Believers struggle at work or can’t keep a good job because they believe they should evangelize their co-workers while doing their job or they talk too much against their boss. No, no and no again because at work you were only hired to do the job the boss (leader, manager, supervisor) assigned to you. If you then try to push your own agenda are you not divided in heart? The Lord Jesus said let your light shine among men, which is the same as saying let your life shine by your godly deeds. If you are a good worker your co-workers will see it and the boss will take knowledge of it. If someone ask you a personal question about who you are and what you are all about then is the time to give your personal testimony of Jesus Christ because they asked you to, not because you thought everyone in the lunch room needed to be saved. Don’t get us (ihlcc) wrong we know that multitudes need to be saved but you should also know at “work” you are commanded in the New Testament to be quiet and do your own business because that is right and that is God. In this lesson we just briefly discussed that “work” is God’s idea and it is His Will for all to “work” in one form or fashion when they reach a maturity level of young adult. Yes, infants and babies or even small children are not required to work at their stage in life because God’s grace allows them to feed off the “work” of their authority figures until they grow up some, being mature enough to handle a job and the responsibility that comes with being a “good worker”. Yes, Jesus was, is and forever shall be the hardest working person alive so never allow deception to enter your mind that “working” is not important because it is so important to God that the scripture states for men who have a family and refuse to “work” they have denied the faith and they are worse than non-believers according to 1 Timothy 5:8. So in conclusion know that “working” is from God and it is of God so “work faithfully, quietly and joyfully” unto the Lord Jesus and our Father God because they will reward you spiritually, mentally and physically in the Name of Jesus knowing God’s Grace covers all three realms. Amen!