Worshipful Work
Monday Morning Commentary
Continuing our October series, Go + Be= Work, Pastor Craig preached on Worshipful Work. Going back to Genesis 2 the Hebrew word for worship shares the same root “abad” with work. Work was originally created to be worship. The fall of Adam and Eve is what made work toilsome.
How do we live in the blessing Christ reinstated through his cross and resurrection?
Christ not only saved us from sin; He redeemed every part of our lives according to his purpose and blessing-including work.
1. Worshipful Work fulfill’s Gods purposes in creation
God created the whole Earth good, yet he did not create it perfect. If something is perfect, it cannot be improved upon. Instead, God decided to make man to develop the earth. God created Adam as a gardener who develops the land. Developing the good things God gives to us brings him glory. Even in our redeemed state, we are working with God not just laying around.
Think about it: How are you using your job to develop the people, places, and things around you?
2. Worshipful Work Pursues the Highest Standards of Excellence
Whatever we do we as Christians are commanded to work at heartily because we have an inheritance in Heaven. Our work reflects our maker. Creating beautiful things that help people find meaning is what its all about.
Think about it: What standards of excellence do you have for yourself in the work place?
3. Worshipful Work reflects the Highest Standards of Ethics
False balances are an abomination to the Lord. Examples of false balances include: using office supplies for personal use, padding business expenses, and not reporting income etc. As Christians our integrity is a reflection of the God we serve. Our work is meant to show his goodness and justice.
Think about it: Are you working in a justly in all aspects of your work?
4. Worshipful Work Makes Blessing Others Its Bottom Line
Jesus spoke to the disciples and told them that when they throw a banquet they are not to just invite the rich but the poor, lame, and blind. Banquets in that day and time were really business parties. His command was socially unacceptable. The poor, lame, and blind are not the best people to invite when the goal is making lots of money. Jesus was saying, “Work isn’t about you and how much money you can make but blessing those who cannot work for themselves.”
Think about it: How are you using your work to bless others?
5. Worshipful Work Seeks to Advance God’s Mission Where it can
When we are skillful in our work it sets us before Kings and obscure men. When we do a good job in the work place people want to know more about us and why we do what we do. When the time comes we are to be prepared to give an answer and share the gospel with a world who desperately needs God.
Think about it: How are you using your job to advance the gospel?
This week as you work begin to evaluate how you’re doing in fulfilling God’s purposes, working with excellence and justice, blessing others, and advancing the Kingdom of God. Whatever you do God desires to bless you and bless others through you. Will you give your work to him?