The challenge in our modern world is an artificial division between the sacred and the secular when it comes to work. However, what God has established for man through work all belongs to Him. Our stewardship of work will be defined through the community of God.
Managers of God’s Kingdom, not owners of ours
Errors of ownership:
- We try to defend our ownership through human reasoning rather than submitting to the authority of God’s revelation
- Concern, care, and contribution are fenced-in for the owner/renter not for the steward
Biblical Work
The reconsecration of our energies, abilities, and opportunities under divine guidance and empowerment to glorify God and enjoy Him forever
Observations & Conclusions:
- Work is an identifying characteristic within God’s community
- Work is commanded because of God’s community
- Work is corrected in God’s community as the right expression of our faith
Application: How to be a steward of your work:
- Put God first
- Find your role (gift) in God’s community
- Embrace God’s command to work in the community as an example to those who are still needing encouragement, maturity, and conviction
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Ephesians 4:16
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Titus 2:14
“who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
Titus 3:1
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good”
Titus 3:8
“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
Titus 3:14
“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.”
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.”
James 3:13
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
Psalm 90:17
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us-yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Romans 12:4-8
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”