Ethical Work

Read Proverbs 29

A servant pampered from childhood will become a rebel.

Proverbs 29:21

You discover during a downpour that your home has a leaky roof. You call the roofers and ask them to come and replace the shingles. But when they show up, you tell them to sit down, have some lemonade, eat some cookies, and chat awhile. You ask about their families, their business, and what you can do to help them. If the roofers were your sons, you would be acting like any normal parent. But if they were only your hired help, you would be considered a fool to pay them for sitting around. In fact, you would discover that the longer they sit around “on the clock,” the less motivated they will be to fix your roof!

God has called us to work in a way that reflects his character. Our work is important because it is the fulfillment of God’s mandate to Adam and Eve to “fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground” (Genesis 1:28). Remember, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our relationship with God is often evaluated by others on the basis of the way we work.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Character must be trained.

Today, Lord, help me to work for your glory. Show me how to honor you through my occupation.