Viewing Work as a Privilege and Opportunity to Serve My Lord and Love Others

What do you think, how do you feel, when someone tells you to “Get to work!?” I expect most have a negative reaction at being told “to work”. “Who are YOU to tell ME what to do?” “Are you telling me I’m lazy?”

However, in my daily devotions for August 28, in 1 Chronicles 22, I read King David’s instructions to his son, Solomon, concerning the construction of a temple for the Lord. First, David has a conversation with his son relating God’s instructions to David concerning the temple, and concerning Solomon. Second, David encourages Solomon, reminding him of the Lord’s presence and help. “11 Now, my son, the LORD be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as he has spoken concerning you. 12 Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God. 13 Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.” (1 Chronicles 22:11-13) David’s encouragement to Solomon remind me of God’s assurance to Joshua as he led the people of Israel into The Promised Land. (Joshua 1:9)

But, after these words of promise and assurance, David gets down to business. He tells Solomon how he has provided many of the materials and workers Solomon will need to accomplish the building of a temple for the Lord. Finally, David minces no words. “ . . .Arise and work! The LORD be with you!" (1 Chronicles 22:16, see all of vv. 15-16) Don’t just sit there! ARISE!! Don’t just think! WORK!!

So, what are your feelings about work? I know that many hate the idea of labor to earn wages in order to be able to live. They do not like work. However, for the child of God, work can be a gift and a blessing from the Lord! Work gives identity. Work fulfills a purpose. Work provides dignity.

David wanted Solomon to see that the Lord had been gracious to him, and to all of Israel. The building of the temple was a response and was worship of the God of Israel. “18 Is not the LORD your God with you? And has he not given you peace on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and his people. 19 Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD." (1 Chronicles 22:18-19) When Solomon built the temple, with skill and faith and precision, he was living as one blessed by God, and as one whose life was to serve and to worship the Lord.

We studied “spiritual worship, or service”, we also discussed vocation in the Adult Bible Class on Romans 12 at St. John Lutheran on Sunday, August 25. Martin Luther taught that whatever we do with faith in God and with love for others is a calling, a vocation. Any legal work or job which uses our God-given talents to serve God and others is “spiritual worship, or service.” (Romans 12:1) Luther taught that when a mother trusts the Lord and, in love, changes the dirty diaper of her baby, that is a calling of God. The mother is living her calling and purpose. She has dignity because of her faithful, loving, service. Of course, the New Testament has much to say about our work. “23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24) (See also 1 Corinthians 15:58)

So, if work gives identity and purpose and dignity, if work is the service of a child of God for the Lord Himself, what is the best work we can do? Jesus was asked that question after feeding the 5000 in John 6. The people asked Jesus, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" (John 6:28) He responded, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." (John 6: 29) You see, Solomon’s response to God’s blessings for the nation of Israel was to “Arise and work,” and to build a temple for the Lord. Today, we look at history and see all the evil and the failures of human beings. We see all the failures of God’s own children. Yet the Father sent His Son. In spite of our failure and sin, Jesus gave His life to forgive us. He rose to save us. That is why Jesus teaches us, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." Jesus is our Savior! And any work done believing in Jesus, is WORSHIP!

How do you feel about work? Maybe someone has told you, or even ordered you, “Get up and get to work!” Possibly, they did not have in mind the idea of you using your efforts to serve the Lord and to love others when they said that. Or . . . maybe they did, and you just weren’t listening.

I am thankful that whether I am preaching God’s Word, or mowing the grass at my house, I can use the blessings and the gifts of God. I can serve Him and love others. As a child of God, in Jesus, I really do see work as a blessing! Go figure!