March 14, 2010 Pastor Scott Snowden
WISDOM
Proverbs- Profound Truth in Simple Terms
#2. Developing a Godly Work Ethic…
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest..
Proverbs 6:6-8
We live in a society that values leisure and recreation. Let’s be clear, God has given us a commandment (Exodus 20:8-11) to take time to rest. He loves us too much to let us work ourselves to death. However, He also expects us to work diligently and conscientiously while we are on the job. Where is the balance between being a workaholic and a mooch? What does God’s Word say…?
1. "Even if I win the rat race, I’m still just a rat!...”
The first step towards a Godly work ethic
is to adopt a _BIBLICAL_ view of work.
Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:
Ants are creatures of little strength,
yet they store up their food in the summer;
coneys are creatures of little power,
yet they make their homes in the crags;
locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;
a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.
Proverbs 30:24-28
- Working for survival is built into God’s _CREATION_.
A laborer’s appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.
Proverbs 16:26
- Working and being productive is the primary way
God provides for _OUR_NEEDS_.
2. " Just 10 more minutes and then I’ll get up…” The first battle I will face will be about taking _INITIATIVE_.
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-
and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 24:33, 34
- Proper rest/sleep is my reward for _YESTERDAY’S_ work, but it is the enemy of _TODAY’S_ tasks.
A sluggard does not plow in season;
so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.
Proverbs 20:4
- _PROCRASTINATION_
will keep me from realizing God’s blessin
3. "How much does the term paper count towards the final grade?…” Beware the temptation to do the _LEAST_ amount of effort
and still call it work.
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he will not even bring it back to his mouth!
Proverbs 19:24
- A fast start doesn’t count for much unless it is accompanied by a _STRONG_FINISH_!
One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
Proverbs 18:9
- _CARELESS_ workmanship leads to unemployment.
4. " My dog ate my homework…”
There are a million _EXCUSES_ to avoid working hard,
but no good _REASONS_.
The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!”
or, “I will be murdered in the streets!”
Proverbs 22:13
The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a highway.
Proverbs 15:19
- If I was as creative in finding ways to get the job done
as I am in looking for ways to get out of doing it…
5. "What’s in it for me?...” Work, whether blue or white collar, is demanding.
What benefits do I receive in return for the long hours,
annoying co-workers, clueless bosses, etc.?
He who works his land will have abundant food,
but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
Proverbs 28:19
- Hard work results in a _HARVEST_(WAGE)_
that in turn provides for my basic needs.
Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
Proverbs 12:24
Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.
Proverbs 22:29
Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare.
Proverbs 20:13
- My “harvest” also allows me to be generous and _BLESS_ others.
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