“Do you see any truly competent workers?

They will serve kings rather than working for people.”

Proverbs 22:29

It’s day 22 of Proverbs, a chapter a day in May here at Refocused Bible Study.

Over the weekend and this morning, the verses sticking out the most to me all have to do with work ethic. 

Maybe this theme is resounding in my heart because it is frequently discussed in our home with our growing children. My son, in particular is developing a strong work ethic in his pursuit of reaching his goals in golf. He was created with a driving passion to pursue his dreams and it’s  beautiful to watch him work hard and achieve great things. He depends on Jesus to help him and gives God the glory for his trophies.

One of our other children will always have to work hard in her studies to catch up to the level of her peers. We celebrate small victories, like memorizing 2+2=4.

God sees the efforts of my children and rejoices in both of them, whether it’s medals won for things deemed extraordinary or mundane mountains conquered.

I want to encourage us all today to see the work God has placed before you as an opportunity to bring him glory, whether it’s a project in corporate America, or a mound of dishes to tackle in the sink.

I love to ponder Jesus’ work ethic; especially before he started his “formal ministry.” Can you imagine the tables his hands carved? Can you envision him, paying close attention to details of his work; taking joy in creating pieces of furniture that people would use?

Sometimes, I think we “over- religualize” Jesus. He lived thirty years as a carpenter’s Son in Nazareth. What was he doing all that time? I imagine him contributing to household chores for his mother and  learning the trade of carpentry under Joseph. No doubt, he worked hard for the glory of His Father.

Let us take his example and do the same.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭NIV‬

Sometimes, we have a great worth ethic, but we need wisdom on how to work more effectively. 

This is where  Proverbs can help us. Here are some Proverbs in the last few chapters that speak on work.

1.Plan Ahead 

“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes lack of good planning hinders our work. It’s smart to pray before setting to a task and asking God to help you plan your time and resources. Invite him in on the front side, so you can truly give Him glory for all He will accomplish through you in the end.

2. Master your skills 

“Observe people who are good at their work— skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22:29‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Never stop honing your trade. Look at others who do it well. Take things they do and learn from them. Always stay humble, knowing there is room to grow.

3. Just Do It! 

“Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭20:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I love how simply this is put. If you don’t work, don’t expect fruit. I meditated on the Word “plow.” If you work from your heart for the Lord at whatever you do, let your heart stay in it. Ask God to plow up roots of indifference about mediacrocy that lead to laziness. The harder we work, the better the fruit. It’s all God’s harvest. Let’s put in our best work with his help and watch him bring forth beautiful fruit for his glory.

Like the incredible tables our Savior created with his own hands, let’s work hard and produce fruit for His glory!

What was your verse today?