God’s Purposes for Work

Do you eat to work or do you work to eat? You could be doing both, but one thing is for sure, if you are able to work and you aren’t, then you shouldn’t be eating. I’m not talking about being laid off, that’s different. Besides, it’s not my idea anyway. It’s God’s.

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thess. 3:10 KJV

I don’t think He meant strictly working for money either. There are still plenty of homemakers out there that don’t work for money, yet are working very hard. I know, I used to be one.

God also says that work is a gift from Him. He wants us to enjoy working and the things that working gives us.

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. Eccl. 3:13 KJV

Lastly, we are to work so that we will have money and things to give to people in need. In other words, we are not to work and spend all of our money on ourselves and our own families.

…let him labour, working with his own hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Eph. 4:28 KJV

What are some appropriate responses then to all this?

If work is a gift from God, then we should be thankful to God for it. If He wants us to enjoy work, then we should try to enjoy it. If He wants us to give to others then we should do that.

We would also be wise to do our work with all our might…

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Eccl. 9:10 KJV

Work now while you still can, while you are healthy and able and while you are still living.

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