The world we live in is primed for human achievement and a never-ending barrage of opportunity for the glory of man. For those who don’t believe in God, they have had to redefine their purpose on earth, but yet can only live for today with no hope for tomorrow. The endless need for success will leave them without rest and a denial the vain reality of human striving. For the Christian, our work on earth can not only lead to satisfying happiness, but it has been designed by God to be united with His eternal plan.
Observations & Conclusions:
- Without God, my work leads to despair
- Without God, my work has no return for my effort
- Without God, my work never leads to rest
- Without God, my work is only mechanical
- Without God, my work is a temporary achievement
- Without God, my work is all for me and I become god
Application:
- God given work satisfies because happiness is tied to Jesus
– Be careful of removing God from your day’s work - God given work satisfies because focuses on serving others
– Be careful with work that only serves yourself - God given work satisfies because God meets our needs
– Be careful with seeking satisfaction beyond your needs - God given work satisfies because we have entrusted ourselves into His program and purposes
– Be careful of any job that lacks rhythm and rest - God given work satisfies because it leads to honor Him
– Be careful when your work leaves you with all the glory
Genesis 3:17-19
“To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
Matthew 25:15
“To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.”
Ephesians 4:7
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”
1 Corinthians 12:11
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
1 Corinthians 12:18
“But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”
Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.”
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Ephesians 6:7
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”
Matthew 10:24-25a
“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
C.T. Studd
Only one life, the still small voice, gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, and to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last
Only one life, a few brief years, each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.