Last month we paid special attention to cultivating the fear of God in our hearts; in the month of June we will study and build up another very important value – diligence and creative approach to work.
Our God is the Creator and He created a man in His own image. If God is a Creator, then we are made to be creators, capable of building something that has material and spiritual value. It is a great mystery and privilege that has been given to man.
One of the first instructions that God gave to the man was concerning work.
“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it”, Genesis 2:15.
As we can see, work and labor is not a consequence of the Fall, but a specific commission of God. When reading Chapter 2 of Genesis verses 8 to 14, we see that God created heavenly conditions for man and provided everything necessary: gold, onyx, and all other minerals. However, God stipulated that it is through the labor that man would have access to all these blessings of God. There is no other possibility to receive these spiritual and earthly riches but through labor. People, who do not like to work, do not love themselves and do not love God. Work is one of the most important characteristics of the Creator of the Universe.
John 5:17: “But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” Diligence and continuous activity are God’s essence. One who does not love to work, is far from God’s nature, does not know His nature, and is, therefore, unsuccessful. Whereas, people of labor always become great. The country that has taught its people to work will always be prosperous.
Proverbs 24:32-34: “When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man”.
Laziness is one of the most despised of all qualities described in the Bible. It is not only the main source of poverty, but is a cause to all other human problems.
Ecclesiastes 10:18: “Because of laziness the building decays, And through idleness of hands the house leaks”; Proverbs 18:9: “He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer”.
Love of work is one of the most important qualities that we must develop. It is important to have a goal in everything we do and always strive for result; do not waste time for trifle things, stay away from useless activities; constantly think about the ways to perfect your goals, plans and tasks, develop your personal productivity.
Even though one’s job is a source of survival and financial provision, it is not the main reason of our activity. All labor is profitable and useful, even if at first it does not bring material profit.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”, 1 Corinthians 15:58.
One should work even if they do not see a direct profit in financial equivalent knowing that “In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23).
What is the blessing of labor?
1. Through labor we become according to God’s likeness.
2. God is the Creator and through labor we become creators.
3. We reveal the potential we have in us.
4. We reveal the potential that is in our land and our calling.
5. We multiply our resources.
6. We provide for ourselves, for our family, and for our country.
7. We gain access to bigger opportunities, a pathway to higher echelons of power. “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men” (Proverbs 22:29).
8. Labor enables us to enlarge and multiply the small we already have.
9. Diligence brings prosperity.
10. It enables us to provide other people and be a blessing for them.
11. Thanks to labor we can serve God, do His work, and establish His Kingdom on this earth.
Labor is one of the main blessings given to us by God. Through labor we meet all our needs. If someone complains about the lack of finances, then the time has come to work on a new approach to their work, on fresh, creative ideas and opportunities, on making a list of the things they could save money on, and on their family budget.
“Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread”, Proverbs 20:13.
There are different forms of labor: intellectual, spiritual, and physical; and one needs to be able to carry out all of them correctly and wisely.
Proverbs 28:19: “He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!”
Diligence, ability to apply a creative approach to any work is one of the greatest riches that a man can possess. Let us acquire this quality and be a blessing for ourselves, our relatives, and for the Kingdom of God.
For a more thorough study of this topic we recommend you read the following books: “Sin of irresponsibility”, “how to overcome your laziness”, “The door to success”
Blessings!
I wish you to always see wonderful results of your labor!
With love,
Senior Pastor of the
Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations Church
Sunday Adelaja
Translated by Kate Popova
Edited by Natalia Ioffe
