Walking with the Wise #215: Relishing Work

“The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns,

but the path of the upright is a level highway.”
—Proverbs 15:19

Following Christ means placing all of life under His authority. It means living out the life of Christ by the Spirit of God bringing about that life through us. And one way that the life of Christ comes out is through our industry. As Christians, our work ethic is not exempt from Christ’s Spirit; it must be directed by it. It, like all of our being, must exemplify Jesus.

When we are lazy, we become like thorny bushes, and those who work with us get hurt and frustrated. Their frustration stops not with us, but can extend to the Lord who bought us. If they know that we are His followers, and yet we demonstrate a poor work ethic, disrepute is brought to His name.

Endeavoring to bring God glory means being upright, dragging all of our life under the penetrating microscope of God’s Spirit, asking Him to renew us by that same Spirit, transforming our laziness, enabling others who work with us to experience a level highway of blessing and joy.

Are you lazy or industrious? Can others who work with you honestly say that you are a joy to work with? Or would they say you are a burden? Ask God to show you what He wants from you and how to work for Him, and not for man. As the Bible says,

“Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 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 3:22-24.

May the Lord enable us to work for Him and not for men, for His glory and our joy. Amen.