I saw a quote from a pastor on Facebook the other day that really resonated with me. It said: "A Godly work ethic begins with remembering that your work is not just a task, it's an offering" (Costi Hinn). I feel like a theology of hard work has been lost on our generation and younger. It's not necessarily that we are lazy, but I don't think we've been taught a good theology about why work is good, valuable and how it brings glory to God. I did some studying this morning and found some key scriptures about work I wanted to share. 1. Work is God’s good design. It wasn’t a result of the Fall — it was part of God’s original plan for us. Genesis 2:15 – “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” 2. Diligence and hard work brings results. Proverbs 10:4– “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 14:23 – “All hard work brings a profit…” 3. Laziness has consequences. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “If anyone is unwilling to work, let him not eat.”Proverbs 6:6 – “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” 4. Work like we're working for the Lord Himself. This one can shift everything and that's really been on my mind lately. No matter what our job is, we're ultimately serving Christ. We don't need to be on a platform to be living a life that is pleasing to God. Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” 5. Do everything for God’s glory. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (And Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to commit our work to Him.) 6 & 7. Find joy, rest, and reward. Psalm 90:17 – “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us…” God calls us to enjoy the toil He gives as a gift, honor the Sabbath, and remember that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). (Side note: I don't believe the Sabbath is still enforced on New Testament believers, but I do believe in following the principle of rest Scripture ascribes)

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