This godly man is a man who bears many responsibilities. He has commitments at work and at home: He spends much time and energy in building up his career, and then he also lends a hand in and around the house.

And you discover: I am he!

The Christian man realises that God has given him the command to work.

Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the East, and there he put the man he had formed. He made all kinds of beautiful trees grow there and produce good fruit. In the middle of the garden stood the tree that gives life and the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad. Then the Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and guard it.

Genesis 2:8-9,15

God also orders him to take care of creation.

(God) blessed them, and said, “Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds, and all the wild animals.” Genesis 1:28

He acknowledges that work is a privilege.

The best thing anyone can do is to eat and drink and enjoy what he has earned. And yet, I realized that even this comes from God. How else could you have anything to eat or enjoy yourself at all? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

The man who lives in relationship with God also knows that God expects him to work hard. Paul makes this clear in his letter to the church in Thessalonica.

Our brothers and sisters, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from all believers who are living a lazy life and who do not follow the instructions that we gave them. You yourselves know very well that you should do just what we did. We were not lazy when we were with you. We did not accept anyone’s support without paying for it. Instead, we worked and toiled; we kept working day and night so as not to be an expense to any of you. We did this, not because we have no right to demand our support; we did it to be an example for you to follow. While we were with you, we used to say to you, “Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.” We say this because we hear that there are some people among you who live lazy lives and who do nothing except meddle in other people’s business. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command these people and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living.  2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the privilege of being able to work. Help me to fulfil your instruction to work to the best of my ability. Lord, in these days I also remember those who are unemployed, perhaps not of their own choosing. Amen