Word to the Wise: Work

Intro

Share a few more sayings from “Wise and Otherwise”

Tired of these yet? *Latvian, Persian, Nigerian, Arabic, Hindu*

Today we are going to talk about work

In broad terms; can always go back to listen to the “Work as Worship” sermon series in our sermon archives

What does Proverbs have to say? Quite a bit, actually.

Pray and then continue

Godly Work is Hard Work

To be lazy is an unwise way to live

Proverbs uses terms like “slothful,” “sluggard,” “lazy”

Often uses humour to get the point across

Proverbs 19:24 “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.”

Proverbs 26:14 “As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed.”

Cf. Proverbs 6:6-11.

The reason laziness is unwise is that it will lead to poverty

Not necessarily financial poverty; but a holistic poverty (physical unhealthiness, depression, dependance on others, etc.)

The Bible teaches us to get to work; Don’t be lazy!

Not just to work, but to work hard: Godly work is hard work

*Use some stories of working at the City of Airdrie and getting away with as little as possible*

Christ-followers should be known for a work ethic that goes beyond just the mininum requirements; we should be known for working hard

*Share about Jason’s dad*

Hard Work is Required

Proverbs goes a step further and says that hard work is required

In the case of those learning from Proverbs in Solomon’s day, work was required to eat and survive

Cf. Proverbs 16:26.

You worked our you went hungry

Also impacted the entire community; no freeloaders allowed!

Our situation is different; it seems like we can afford to avoid hard work

Living with parents, social assistance, dream jobs that don’t include lots of work (musician, influencer, artist, etc.)

But this is not true...

Hard work is still required because we have been designed to work

It is hardwired into us; a necessary part of the human experience

Flows from the doctrine of Creation

The first thing we learn about God is that He worked

Creation still referred to as the “works” of God’s hands

We also read that upon being forced to leave the Garden of Eden toil, labour and work are all part of human experience

Hard work honours God and those around us; it is not optional

Don’t take this idea too far; no workaholics allowed!

If we keep Creation as our guide for the design of work, we also see God demonstrate and command regular rest

Work hard, play hard -> Work hard, rest hard

What do you do to rest? Find a hobby, protect your schedule, prioritze family… follow God’s example

Hard Work is Rewarding

Not just required, but rewarding: Hard work is worth it

Cf. Proverbs 13:4.

We all have hopes, dreams and desires. Hard work is the way God has designed for us to get there

Where do you hope to be 5 years from now? 10 years from now?

Now, what are you doing to acheive these goals?

The rewards of hard work can teach their own lessons

*Share second half of City of Airdrie story*

*Poke fun at Landon & Myron RE: Easy to be an engineer*

It is rewarding to:

Have that engineering ring on your finger; look out at a freshly harvested field, watch students graduate, see the lbs drop because of healthy eating and exercise, watch your kids grow in stature and maturity in Christ, get scholarships due to good grades, acheive victory on the court/field… so much more

Hard work is rewarding when it is work worth doing

Perhaps no greater work than serving God (missions/ministry)

*Share story about missions trip in Peru*

Lots of service opportunities here at SBF; lots of people working hard already

We can all strive to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant”

No matter what you do, hard work is worth doing when you do it for God

Cf. Colossians 3:23-24.

It doesn’t matter what your job is! It matters how you do it

You are working for God; He will reward hard work

“Well done, good and faithful servant”

Conclusion

Don’t be lazy! Godly work is hard work.

And hard work is required and rewarding

Word to the Wise:

Hard work honours you, your community and God.

Pray