Honorable Work

• What’s the hardest test or assignment you’ve ever had? What made it so difficult?

• Why is it tempting to give half-hearted efforts on some assignments?

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 14:23

In the story of creation in Genesis 2, one important verse often gets overlooked: “The lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (v. 15). Even from the beginning, humans had a job to do. We were designed to work. That’s why we feel a sense of satisfaction for a job well done. We feel fulfilled because we’re doing what we were made to do.

The urge to get out of work, to take a shortcut or to do less than our best is unnatural. It’s part of the sinful nature that came after Adam and Eve’s disobedience.

When we work hard—whether it’s at a job, at home, in school or on the sports field—we honor God. Impressive results are nice. Who wouldn’t like straight A’s? But results are not as important as effort. If you give our best effort at something, God is pleased.

A strong work ethic can also be a silent witness. Co-workers notice. Teachers notice. Other kids notice. They may not say anything, but they make a mental note. We earn respect for ourselves and the Lord we serve.

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for giving us the ability to think, reason and accomplish complicated tasks. We commit ourselves to honoring you with our work. Amen.