Work, Work, Work
By Jeremiah Z
January 1, 2020
What the Bible Says about Working and Providing for Ourselves
If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind (Luke 12:28–29).
Most Christians agree that the love of money is not a good thing. Yet for some reason, most of our conversation centers around work, and our worries and anxieties are often about work.
But Scripture is clear—God already cares for us, provides for us, and even clothes us. We think we clothe ourselves with the money we earn, but very little is within our own control. In one day, everything we have can be taken away. The reality is that we’re fooling ourselves if we put even an ounce of faith in our ability to do our work, or in our stockpiles of money and possessions.
It seems to me we’re often guilty of looking at God in the same way we look at the neighbor who wants to borrow a thousand dollars from us. We think he’s capable of paying us back, but we don’t know if he’ll remember. Worse, we suspect that he may forget to pay us back—on purpose. And like the neighbor, while we know that God can do what He says He’ll do, we are afraid He’ll forget, or worse—that God simply won’t do what He promised to do in the first place.
So does God really provide for us, or are we responsible to provide for ourselves and our families? The question isn’t answered with a straight yes or no, as there really are two sides to this coin: (1) why and how we do what we do, and (2) why and how God does what He does for us. Let’s take a closer look at each side of this coin.
What the Bible Says about Being Responsible and Working Hard
We should be wise, hard workers—that is clear. The reason for doing so is simply to glorify God in everything we do—and to serve others well, whether our parents, our boss, or our customers.
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. (Proverbs 12:11)
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. (Ephesians 4:28)
Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. (Colossians 3:23)
There is no doubt that if we work, we should work diligently, we should work so we can give to others, and we should work for God’s glory. The Bible does not say that we should be sloppy, careless, or lazy. God loves a cheerful worker!
What the Bible Says about Pursuing Money and Things
However, the Bible is clear: if we love money, we have a problem—a big problem. If we brag because our wallet is fat, we have a problem. If we feel secure because our bank account is full, we are most likely guilty of putting our trust in money instead of recognizing that God is our true provider.
Based on the conversations I hear, I’m afraid that many Christians like the temporary security of things. Oh, we say we don’t like the things of the world, and we say that money isn’t important, but a little honesty would probably reveal the truth of the matter.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)
The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Luke 12:16–31)
The Conclusion of the Matter
A lot more could be said about this, but this entire magazine would not be big enough to contain all the Bible verses that tell about how God provides for His people, how He wants us to wholeheartedly love and serve Him, and how He abundantly blesses those who love Him. If there was room, I’d even add verses telling about heavenly treasure being so much better than earthly treasure (Matthew 6:19–21).
So what is the conclusion of this matter? In summary, we should work diligently and with a thankful heart, not for earthly gain, but because we desire to please God in everything we do. If your heart is right, watch and see how God will provide for you in ways you never could have imagined. This is not because He wants us to be rich, but because He is a good Father—and a good father takes care of his children. A warning for us all, however, is that we must not try to trick Him and use His good graces for our own gain, but in all things give Him the glory and honor He deserves, truly setting our hearts on treasures in heaven rather than on the treasures of this earth.
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
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