(A Letter to a Past Co-Worker)
Here is a teaching for you. You wrote me recently on Facebook, and commented about me being a “workaholic”. I am not offended, but that is not correct. My understanding of what it is like to be a workaholic, is that a person’s identity is so wrapped up in their job, and they are so obsessed by their work, that they neglect their family, and there is no other place they would rather be than at work.
That is not me. In the mornings, I struggle to leave Lizzie and go to work. But once there, I do my work. So, let me show you from the Word of God what happens when I am at work.
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.
Ecclesiastes 3:13
That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.
Ecclesiastes 5:19
Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.
You may not consider us (me, you, others) to be wealthy, but compared to other people in the world… some live on less than a $1000 per year… we have great abundance.
Ecclesiastes 8:15
So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.
As you mentioned, there are so many people in the world, and even locally, who have such hardship. We are truly Blessed, if we have the right attitude and outlook to see it.
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
The following is written by the Apostle Paul, who wrote over half of the new Testament.
Philippians 4:12
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:8
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
In the following, Paul is talking about Masters and Slaves, but I believe the principles apply as well to Employers and Workers.
1 Corinthians 9:19
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
Ephesians 4:28
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Ephesians 6:5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Ephesians 6:6 – 8 – 9
Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart… because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
Colossians 3:22 – 23
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
Colossians 4:1
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven
1 Thessalonians 4:10 – 12
And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
The following directions were given to Timothy, a young Minister of the Gospel who was following in Paul’s footsteps.
1 Timothy 5:1
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers,
1 Timothy 6:1 – 2
All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on.
We who are disciples of Jesus should study the Word of God, so that we understand it, and obey it, and so that we can share it with others.
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
So, there you have it. I do not believe I am a workaholic… just one who works as if working for the Lord.
You have a good work ethic, a deep desire to do a good job. That is commendable. Working as for the Lord can only make you better.
I want to encourage you to get into a Bible Believing Church, where you can be discipled, get involved with other believers to study God’s Word. Getting the Word of God into your heart not only will Bless you, but it will arm you to do battle when the trials of life come against you, and when the enemy tries to bring you down. You also will be comfortable sharing truth with others.
The Bible has something to say about so many areas of our life… it is a road map to Blessing… and confirms to us the Love and compassion of Jesus. And there is Blessing just in Loving Jesus more and more.
Amen.