The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep...Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him-- for this is his lot. (Ecclesiastes 5:12, 18)
28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. (Ephesians 4:28)
(Norman Rockwell's Behind Apollo 11, 1969- An illustration of how many work to make a higher goal happen). Thoughts: Today, when we look at motivations for work, we see some fairly shallow thoughts like: survival, to pay off debts, to get more/newer stuff. The scriptures call us to a higher ideal- loving God and neighbor. Loving God by working for the glory of God (Col. 3:23). Loving neighbor- as Eph. 4:28 says, that we might have something to share for those in need. Work is not just for ourselves or for our own comfort. Certainly not for our own self-indulgence. God gives us time. God calls us to work.
Prayer: May my work please you, O Lord. May my work be used to please neighbor.
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