Work is a gift - 5 May 2015
Bible Society of South Africa
The best thing we can do is to enjoy eating, drinking, and working. I believe these are God’s gifts to us, and no one enjoys eating and living more than I do. Ecclesiastes 2:24-25
Yesterday we learned that work is a command from God. We also learned that because of Adam and Eve's disobedience God said that they (and we) would have to work hard all their lives to make a living. And yet, we experience joy in our labour as a gift from God. Everything we receive and enjoy is a gift from the hand of God.
We read further in Ecclesiastes that work brings happiness: “Suppose you are very rich and able to enjoy everything you own. Then go ahead and enjoy working hard – this is God’s gift to you. God will keep you so happy that you won’t have time to worry about each day.” Ecclesiastes 5:19-20
Work is a gift of God for which we should be grateful. “After you eat and are full, give praise to the Lord your God for the good land he gave you.” Deuteronomy 8:10
Jesus himself teaches us about the most important work that we have here on earth. Jesus said, "But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33
Work is a gift, not a curse.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of work. Lord, may my day job not be so important that I forget to put your kingdom first and seek your will. Amen