The Weekly Encourager – July 8, 2020 – Am I Diligent at Work and Home?

Recently I’ve been reminded of how important it is to work with diligence in whatever tasks the Lord requires of us. For some, this is the work expected by an employer in a paying job. For others, it’s the raising of children. For others, it’s doing household chores to maintain an orderly, pleasant home. As far as I can tell, the Bible makes no difference between these types of work in terms of our responsibility to be diligent in our callings.

It’s important to realize that none of these jobs is higher or lower on God’s priority list. From time to time, I have helped various people organize their homes, offices, or schedules. My help is most successful when the friend truly wants to be able to work more efficiently. If that person puts good plans into action, she can gain much from the little tips I provide. On the other hand, if the person doesn’t really want to work hard, she will fall right back into her old habits as soon as I leave the premises. I’ve seen it happen. Why? Some homemakers seem to believe that their work is not essential, or not even that important. In some cases, they’ve been taught that religious or churchly professions (minister, missionary, etc.) are more spiritual than being a parent or homemaker. In other cases, they believe that, since they don’t get paid and no boss is looking on, household chores are optional. They feel free to fritter away their time at home, or to volunteer in various other capacities (church, community, etc.) outside the home to feel better, when their own home is a mess. Or, in some cases, the person is just plain lazy.

A strong work ethic should be a fundamental attitude of the followers of Christ. Sloth is a sin! “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:10 And it leads to poverty. “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” - Proverbs 6:10-11 If God has blessed you with someone else to provide income for you, so that you “don’t have to work,” you should feel an even greater sense of responsibility to do what you can in other areas. It is profoundly disrespectful to the wage-earner not to do your share of the work. It’s also profoundly disrespectful to God. If you have been given a partner, be thankful! And be sure that you work just as hard as they do. (Of course, if you are unable to work, that is a different situation.)

During this pandemic lockdown, I’ve had some days in which I didn’t want to do anything but sit and read a book, eat cookies, spend time on social media, and watch Netflix. It’s normal during a crisis to have some of those days, and everyone needs times of rest and relaxation. But the Lord convicted me at the point when my slacking off started becoming a habit. Take adequate rest, yes, then get back to work!

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23-24 No matter where your workplace is, Jesus Himself is your boss. He sees all you do and do not do. You are serving the Lord Christ!

I read a good quote yesterday: “Cease endlessly striving for what you would like to do and learn to love what must be done.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. I don’t know Goethe’s spiritual state, but I am confident that this is a godly concept. I need to pray not just for perseverance to get each job done, but for a changed heart that actually loves what I am called to do. I need to ask God for joy in the mundane tasks that accompany my job (and almost every job on earth). I need to be thankful for the physical and mental ability to work and for the opportunity to work. I need to be grateful for all the gifts the Lord provides.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” - Colossians 3:17

God is faithful,
j