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This “tip” may seem like common sense, but in our world today, common sense appears to be a casualty to the spirit of the age. Today I’d like to consider the concept of “working hard.”
The concept is often undervalued and seldom championed.
In fact, there are those who denounce the idea of “working hard” as being racist or inequitable.
But what does God have to say about hard work?
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
Proverbs 13:23 (ESV)
Toil?
Toil is definitely not a popular word today.
The word "toil" means to work hard and long, especially at something difficult or unpleasant. It can also mean to struggle or strive.
Definition from Google Bard
Work hard.
Work long.
Be willing to work at difficult tasks.
Be willing to work at unpleasant tasks.
Be willing to struggle.
Be willing to strive.
Are we teaching our children the value of hard work?
Perhaps more importantly, are we practicing being a hard workers ourselves?
WITH ALL YOUR HEART
Work is consistently praised in the Word of God.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul encourages the Christians:
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
The word “heartily” could easily be translated “from the soul” or “with all your heart.”
I was at a store a couple of days ago. There were about a half dozen customers in the store. There were three employees.
At first glance, that seemed like a pretty good ratio for a business aiming to provide excellent customer service.
However, what I noticed was that the three employees weren’t interacting with customers, they weren’t fixing displays, cleaning the store, or doing anything productive.
Instead, all three were standing together behind the cash register, engrossed in their own cell phones, seemingly lost in the virtual world of apps.
Would you describe that as working “heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”?
APPLYING THE TIP
Let me ask you a question.
When you work, do you give it your all?
Is your work driven a desire to please God?
Whatever tasks you have today, whether they are significant or seemingly insignificant, are you prepared to work long and hard, pouring your soul into your work to please God?
I encourage you to focus on this “tip from God” each day.
Embrace the value of hard work and commit to working wholeheartedly in all you do in order to please God.
Before I go, I’d like to share a blessing with you from the Old Testament.
“May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (The Living Bible)
Until next time … be the reason someone smiles today!
Clint
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