Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! They are considered by many to be the crucial issue of this election year in our nation. Many talk about more jobs, better jobs, secure jobs, etc. Obviously jobs play a key part in supplying our basic needs and hopefully providing a measure of security and prosperity as well. Jobs are a big part of most of our daily lives, not only financially, but also in regard to our schedules and even our emotions. Even retirees and those unable to work are affected daily by the jobs of others.
Labor Day was instituted as a federal holiday in 1894 to recognize the economic and social contributions of American workers. I find it rather humorous that we take a day off to honor work! All kidding aside, it is appropriate to recognize the value and benefits of jobs (work) and workers.
So does the Bible have anything to say about jobs, work, toil, labor, etc? Yes, it does! The fourth Commandment acknowledges that the Sabbath was to follow a work week even as God created for six days and rested on the seventh. William Barclay noted that Jesus the carpenter was a "working man". Hard work went into making the Old Testament worship facilities of the Tabernacle and Temple. Proverbs is filled with verses contrasting the benefits of work with the ills of laziness and lack of productivity. The parables of Jesus often include the activities of workers to illustrate the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul noted that workers deserve their wages and those who won't work shouldn't eat. Our whole approach to life, be it our job or our spiritual maturity, is to be that of a good worker.
Next time you come to church, please remember all the work that went in to having the facilities, electronic systems, refreshments, music and Bible teaching ready for meaningful workship (er, I mean worship).
See you Sunday!
1. Read about God as a worker. Exodus 20:11, 31:17; Hebrews 4:10
2. Who is an excellent worker that we can learn from? Proverbs 6:6-8
3. What does the Bible say about "slacking off"? Proverbs 18:9
4. Study Matthew 13. What various jobs or workers did Jesus describe to make His point?
5. What kind of job did Paul have in addition to the work of the ministry? Acts 18:2-3
6. What is a good biblical guide for our jobs or any responsibility in life? Colossians 3:23
7. Note the wonderful testimony of our Lord Jesus! John 17:4
