Memory Verse:

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. {1 Cor. 15:58}

A. Work:

“To Adam was given the work of caring for the garden. The Creator knew that Adam could not be happy without employment. The beauty of the garden delighted him, but this was not enough. He must have labor to call into exercise the wonderful organs of the body. Had happiness consisted in doing nothing, man, in his state of holy innocence, would have been left unemployed. But He who created man knew what would be for his happiness; and no sooner had He created him than He gave him his appointed work.” {AH 27}

A. What is Work?

“and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

1. Jesus our Example: An Earnest and Constant Worker

Jesus was our example in all things, and he was an earnest and constant worker. He commenced his life of usefulness in childhood. At the age of twelve he was "about his Father's business." Between the ages of twelve and thirty, before entering upon his public ministry, he led a life of active industry. {RH, January 6, 1885 par. 2}

2. Jesus is the Silent and Unselfish Worker

Jesus was a silent and unselfish worker. He did not seek fame, riches, or applause; neither did he consult his own ease and pleasure. When the day's labor was done, and he had dismissed his disciples that they might seek needed rest, he often retired to the lonely mountain or the silent grove, and spent the night in prayer, offering up his petitions with strong crying and tears. Not for himself were these vigils kept, but for those he came to save. He was standing between the living and the dead; his heart was moved with compassion for those who "fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." {RH, January 6, 1885 par. 4}

— For some people, their work is just a job to make a living. For other people, their work is their calling, or a chance to use their skills in a beneficial way.

— An important task in education is to help the students to find out which is the most suitable job for them according to their skills.

— For Christians, work is more than just a job. It’s a way to receive God’s blessings, and an opportunity to be a blessing in this world and to testify of His love.

B. How to do our Work?

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might;” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

In the Bible, work is connected to the hands. Actually, hands are used even in the most intellectual work. Replace “hands” with “work” when reading the following texts.

God blesses our work - Deuteronomy 16:15

God gives us strength and health to carry out our work - Nehemiah 6:9

Diligent workers prosper - Proverbs 10:4

Lazy people are annoyed by work - Proverbs 21:25

We should work according to our strength - Ecclesiastes 9:10

We should avoid work that may incite us to sin - Jeremiah 1:16

Work gives us the chance to help those in need - Ephesians 4:28

Work is a moral obligation - 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

II. Christians and Work:

A. Seeking Excellence

All the skilled artisans among those doing the work made

the tabernacle.” (Exodus 36:8 CSB)

1. Skillful Worker:

“The skillful touch of the physician’s hand, his power over nerve and muscle, his knowledge of the delicate organism of the body, is the wisdom of divine power, to be used in behalf of the suffering. The skill with which the carpenter uses the hammer, the strength with which the blacksmith makes the anvil ring, comes from God. He has entrusted men with talents, and He expects them to look to Him for counsel. Whatever we do, in whatever department of the work we are placed, He desires to control our minds that we may do perfect work.” {ML 117.4}

2. Work and Religion Interwoven

Bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. . . . They are to be united in all human pursuits, in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises. . . . It is just as essential to do the will of God when erecting a building as when taking part in a religious service. . . . {ML 117.5}

— God planned the construction of a tent to meet with Israel. He would not be happy with anything but excellent work.

— God gave Moses instructions on the structure of the Sanctuary, the materials to use, and the exact shape of every piece of furniture–about 150 detailed descriptions.

— God also filled skillful people with the Holy Spirit, so they could carry out the work and also teach others (Exodus 31:3; 35:34; 36:2).

— He expects us to do our best work by making the most of our talents, skills, time, and education.

B. Work and Faith

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord

and not to men,” (Colossians 3:23)

1. Jesus the Most Skillful Healer

Our Saviour is the most skillful physician in the world. I praise Him for the marked blessing that He bestowed upon me at this time. {TDG 116.2}

2. True Religion is Giving Honor and Glory to God as Believers' Work

True religion is a religion that keeps constantly in view the honor and glory of God. We are to regard our heavenly Father with holy fear and reverence. He requires of His blood-bought heritage a cheerful obedience. As we realize His great love, our hearts will be inspired with gratitude, we shall serve Him with cheerfulness, and firmly, confidently put our trust wholly in Him. {TDG 116.3}

— Faith cannot be left aside while working.

— The fruit of the Spirit in us will help us to do our work diligently, and to treat everyone with kindness and respect (Galatians 5:22-23).

— Then, those around us will see something special in the way we do our daily work. This will be an opportunity to share our faith.

C. Responsible Work:

“Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24)

1. Responsible Agents of God

As God's human agents, we are to do the work that he has given us. To every man he has given his work, and we are not going to give ourselves up to conjecture as to whether or not our earnest endeavors will prove successful. All that we as individuals are responsible for, is the unwearied, conscientious discharge of duty that some one must do, and if we fail to do that which is placed in our way, we cannot be excused of God. But having done the best we can, then we are to leave all results with God. But it is required of us that we exercise more mental and spiritual power. It is your duty, and it has been your duty every day of the life God has graciously granted you, to pull at the oars of duty; for you are a responsible agent of God. {SpTA03 9.1}

2. Individual Responsibility

Each of us has a work to do in the vineyard of the Lord. Talents are committed to our trust, and we are responsible for the use we make of them. The Christian life does not consist merely in the exercise of meekness, patience, humility, and kindness. One may possess these precious and amiable traits, and yet be nerveless and spiritless, and almost useless when the work goes hard. Such persons lack the positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, which would enable them to resist evil, and would make them a power in the cause of God. {RH, January 6, 1885 par. 1}

— There must be a healthy balance between work, family, spiritual life, and leisure. It’s important to remember that God must be present in all the aspects of our lives.

— Therefore, work must not become an idol. It cannot be separated from our spiritual life either. Our relationship with God must not be interrupted by our work, our relatives, or leisure.

From the Pen of Inspiration:

“Whatever the line of work in which we engage, the word of God teaches us to be ‘not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.’ ‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,’ ‘knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ.’ Romans 12:11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:24.” {COL 346}