"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." (Colossians 3:23-24)

Play = effort expended voluntarily, in expectation of an inconsequential reward.

Work = effort expended (usually under compulsion)  in expectation of a reward of significant consequence.

Work is worship (and witness) if done with the right motives and attitudes.

Ordained by God for our benefit (...as are all God's commands Exodus 20:9).

Rewarding and rewarded  (2x) if done Bibically.

Konsists of serving another's needs (helping my employer/clients reach their obectives).

I. WRONG Reasons for Working

l - To meet my needs, earn a living, keep body and soul together (Mt 6:11.25-33)

2 - To make a lot of money by working hard (I Tim 6:6-10; Haggai 1:6-7)

3 - To satisfy my desires for power, pleasure, & possessions (1Jn 2:16-17)

4 - To make as much money as I can without going to jail (Mk 4:19)

5 - To develop my sense of worth, significance or ego (Mt 6:26; Jer 9:23-24)

6 - To help the economy by obtaining the means to be a good consumer (Deut 28:38-42)

7 - To find security, significance, self-worth, and pleasure outside of my relationship with God (Gen 3:6)

8 - To use the talents God has given  (I Pt 4:10)

9 - To gain a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. (Ecc 2:24-26)

10 - To produce something of intrinsic, lasting value  (Ecc 2:11; 2Pt 3:10-11; Jn 6:27)

11 -To give/contribute something to the work of God (help God out) (Isa 46:9-10; Esther 4:14)

II. RIGHT Reasons for Working,

1 + It is commanded {created with capacity for work pre-Fall - Gen 1:26-28; 2:15...became difficult after the Fall}.

2 + It is the channel through which God provides for our needs (II Thess 3:6-15)

2 + It enables us to give generously (Ephesians 4:28; II Cor 9:11)

3 + It develops our character and skills for God (I Sam 16:21f)

4 + It establishes our testimony with unbelievers (I Thess 4:11-12)

5 + It provides opportunity to be polished and refined (James 1:2-4)

6 + It provides opportunity for reward by God (I Peter 2:18-20)

Objectives: To do my work heartily as unto the Lord knowing He'll reward me

To find a job I can love which gives me time and money to pursue my life plan

To fund my life purpose and plan by profitably serving the needs of others

To utilize the unique abilities God's given me to expand my sphere of influence (improve my value to God and others) and capacity for service

III. Work Can Be A Worshipful Witness... If Done Biblically

IV. Work Can Be ENJOYED Only if We PLEASE GOD (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. What are the advantages to an employer of a Christian employee? Any disadvantages? Would you hire yourself?
2. What common difficulties of your job could be eliminated if you applied the Scriptural principles of work? What should change?
3. What are the most valuable assets you have to offer an employer/client?
4. Does your job match your design and objectives? If not, why not change?
5. If Jesus were your direct boss, would your performance change? Should it?
6. Are you working for an eternal paycheck or just a temporal one?