The first result of Adam’s fall in the Garden of Eden was that he would have to work. And that work would not be easy. Ever since then, humanity has had to earn a living. In our modern times, today especially, we honor the effort of work and labor. As early as 1884 states in America began to recognize the necessity of honoring the daily laborer. By 1895 Congress adopted an official Labor Day on the first Monday of the month of September.
The Apostle Paul was no slacker about work. Besides his evangelical ministry to the Gentiles, Paul was a tent maker. I cannot imagine in those days how hard that must have been. He expected those around him and in the churches that he partnered with to be a place of labor as well. He went so far as to say if a person didn’t work, he shouldn’t be able to eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) He specifically instructed Timothy, a young pastor, to do the work of an evangelist. Surely, that meant more than just knocking on doors inviting people to church. Paul said to make full proof of his ministry.(2 Timothy 4:5) Unfortunately, some people find teaching Sunday school laborious and done out of obligation. Be honest, when do you start studying your lesson to teach for the coming Sunday.
I was brought under conviction one day during lunch time at work. I was feeling sorry for myself because of the job that I had. Then I read Scripture that shook me to the core. In it I saw the word servant which to me meant employee and masters which meant to me employer. The text reads, “servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: and whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” (Colossians 3:22,23) That puts your signature on the timecard in a whole different perspective, doesn’t it. God gave us that job. We must appreciate it. We must do the best we can as a promise to the employer and is a promise to God. When we are ready, he will move us onto something better and brighter.
When it was time for the tabernacle to be constructed in the wilderness, there were not people in the community who automatically had superb skills. But God selected a man named Bezaleel and gave him special abilities. Exodus 35: 31 says, “and the Lord filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.” He then went on to teach other people crafts necessary for the construction. Whether we are talking about manual labor, mental labor, or service labor, God is most willing to give us the skills to which he calls us. As Christians, we should see our employment first under God.
When we go to work each day, we are part of a people with purpose for dignity seeking outcomes that are necessary. Standstill and if you must suffer with the job you have, seek to better yourself, seek God’s guidance for your own craftsmanship to improve, and most of all keep in mind that what you are doing is under the employment of God and not just a man down the street.
Christian Writer 