YOUR WORK: SURVIVAL OR SATISFACTION? (PSL) – PART 2

A Message by Rev. Dr. Stanley Lim on 8th & 9th July 2000

INTRODUCTION

“One person endowed with passion and purpose can make an enormous difference.” Our job or our work can either be a blessing or a curse. But not many of us can really comprehend that our job and work can really flourish because of our right understanding of our existence and purpose of being placed there. Let’s look at the View of Work in the New Testament this morning.

Work is assumed in the New Testament to be a normal mode of life for everyone. None of the Old Testament concepts are repeated, but all are emphasized, with additional stress on the person’s attitude toward his job and employer. So even in the context grace, there is no escaping the responsibility of work. In fact, now it is not just work, but how well one does his job.

Let’s consider the key principles on the view of work in the New Testament.

I. NO WORK, NOT EAT! – 2 Thessalonians 3:10
“If anyone will not work, neither let him eat,” That’s a tough statement. You might ask the question, “Where is our social compassion?” Paul would not be very popular at the polls with that platform – even among Christians. But it says, “If anyone will not work…” This signifies that there is an option. Paul is not dealing with the sick, elderly or disabled, who have no choice.

This rule applies to an individual who decides not to work – who is too lazy, too choosy or too undependable to hold a job. Verse 14 even goes on to say that we are not to associate with the man who refuses to work and becomes a sponge to society. There are valid reasons for being unemployed, and we are responsible to uphold each other in those circumstances.

II. PROVIDE FOR YOUR FAMILY – 1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” That is big responsibility. A Christian must provide for the physical needs of his family. If he does not, his testimony is ruined. The emphasis here is on needs, not luxuries. In any society the only way to provide justly for the family is to work.

III. BE AN OBEDIENT AND SUBMISSIVE EMPLOYEE – Colossians 3:22
“Slaves be obedient to your masters.” In today’s society this is the employee. Can you be submissive and obedient while participating in strikes and protests and demanding your “rights”? There is no simple answer to that question. The key is to do what is legal in society and that our actions do not come in conflict with Scripture and to come to a Holy Ghost conviction about our participation in these activities. Be very sure that you have a clear conscience before God in your actions (Acts 24:16).

IV. BE A JUST AND FAIR EMPLOYER – Colossians 4:1
“Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.” If you are an employer, you have an even greater responsibility to be just and fair to those who work for you. You are to pay them their wages fairly and promptly (Leviticus 19:13). You are to look out for their concerns. You are to consider their rights and be responsive to their needs and requests.

V. MAKE EXCELLENCE YOUR WORK STANDARD – Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.”

• “I’d rather deal with the non-Christian in business. Too many Christians have really disappointed me in their dealings.”
• “He may be a Christian, but he really doesn’t do good work.”
• “He claims to be a Christian, but I know atheists who work harder and do better work than he does.

Have you heard statements like that? Of course, you have. Sadly enough, they are often true. You may argue that there are many non-Christian who do poor work. True. But we are “chosen” people; there is a special mark and responsibility on us as Christians. You cannot be just an ordinary worker.

You represent Jesus Christ to the work, not just by your speech and morality, but also by work. If you are salt and light of the world, you must be salt and light in your work too.

God expects excellence. He does not expect you to be a “superworker” on one who has no limitations; but He does expect you to do the best you possibly can. What will be the results of your doing your work excellently?

• You will have a better witness.
• You will have a more job security.
• You will be promoted or paid more.
• You will have a greater job satisfaction.

CONCLUSION
The Bible clearly teaches that work is right and good in life and society and that it must be done God’s way.