SOME THINGS THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT WORK

The last summer holiday, Labor Day, is almost here. In this 24/7 world—instead of taking the day off to go touring, playing sports, or just relaxing at home—many people in our country will be busy at their jobs. Of course, in the current economy, most of us who have gainful employment are thankful for it—even if it means working on holidays.

Like many other aspects of life, the Bible has quite a lot to say about work. For example, Jesus spoke of it often in the Gospels, especially in some of his parables. Here, then, are some scriptural perspectives about the world of work. I hope you find something that will give you food for thought.

Peace,

Alan J. Watt

Interim Pastor

Enjoying one’s work

“There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God…”      Ecclesiastes 2:24

Work as a curse

“And to [Adam God] said: ‘…cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you…By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.’”   Genesis 3:17-19

Work as doing one’s fair share

“Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort…to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”   2 Thess. 3:10-12

The “unfairness” of God’s grace

“Now when the first [laborers of the day in the vineyard] came, they thought they would receive more [than the last workers of the day]; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong…Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?’”   Matt. 20:10-13, 15