Work Hard, For Christ's Sake

This stand alone message on productivity coincidentally falls on the "Labour" Day weekend, but it was actually inspired by the pastor's intensive study of three letters written by the apostle Paul - 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Titus - which all address the matter of work ethic. In short, the Church (God's people) were supposed to be known in the world by their willingness to work harder than their own needs demanded, so that they could be generous. On the flip-side, laziness was condemned. The Bible does not draw an imaginary line between our spiritual and material lives. So if you are negligent in your day-job, you are failing spiritually as well. The Bible never criticizes people for their disabilities, but it condemns Christians for the dis-use of their abilities. Paul observes that unemployed people are not only neglecting goodness; they are most prone to BADNESS - sickness, depression, addiction, crime and unhealthy relationships. Christians must reject the growing attitude that work is a "necessary evil," and see it for the GOOD that it is. And then get to work, for Christ's sake!