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According to this
verse/passage what is God's purpose for work?
What message from the
world contradicts God's purpose?
Do my words and actions reflect God's message or the world's message?
If your heart's desire is
to really know why God gave us work, I pray you will thoughtfully
read these Scriptures – maybe even set aside time to do
this later, if you feel tempted to rush through it now. I stress this
because we so often rush over the familiarity of the Bible to
“get to the point” (And yes, I know this because I've done it
myself too many times!). Wisdom for life starts with the word of Truth.
Passage #1
For ye remember, brethren,
our labour and travail: for labouring night and day,
because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we
preached unto you the gospel of God.
(1 Thessalonians 2:9)
Neither did we eat any
man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail
night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
(2 Thessalonians 3:8)
Passage # 2
But if any widow
have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at
home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and
acceptable before God...But
if any
provide not for his
own,
and specially for those of his
own house,
he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
(1 Timothy 5:4 & 8)
Passage # 3
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)
Passage # 4
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own
business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded
you;
(1 Thessalonians 4:11)
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you,
that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear
that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not
at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and
exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they
work, and eat their own bread.
(2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 )
How The Proverbs 31 Woman Used Her Work To Obey God's
Purpose!
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far
above rubies...She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh
willingly with her hands...She riseth also while it is yet
night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her
maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the
fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her
loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that
her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold
the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she
reacheth forth her hands to the needy...She looketh well to
the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of
idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her
husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done
virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and
beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be
praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own
works praise her in the gates.
(From Proverbs 31)
Now think about how the world either twists or completely
ignores God's purpose for work. The message that work is about living
comfortably, having a certain lifestyle or even fulfilling our life
passion is everywhere and may even seem to have a gleam of truth to
it. But when you push these messages back, they are really all about
us. But even more scary is how often do the messages of the world
characterize ME? After reading these passages, I know I found some attitudes and mindsets in myself that need to be conformed to God's purpose instead of the world's. What about you? Was there anything in these verses that surprised you or stood out to you?
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord,
and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the
reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
(Colossians 3:23-24)
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