In the Kwa-Zulu region of South Africa, the government constructed irrigation canals on either side of a river a number of years ago. This made it possible to cultivate the fertile terrain. On one side of the river, the Christian Zulus prospered and grew luxuriant harvests. On the opposite side, the traditional animist worshippers continued to exist in utter poverty and produce almost nothing from the same kind of soil.
Why? The Christians held that they owed it to God to labour diligently and soberly. The women were expected to do the work by their pagan neighbours, while the males were expected to engage in drinking and fighting.
According to the Bible, we are to "have dominion over every living thing that moves on the earth" as those who bear God's image.
(Gen. 1:28). In order to take care of ourselves and others, it exhorts us to labour with our hands (Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess 4:1). When done with the appropriate mindset, work can be enjoyable and gratifying. The wonderful interaction between rigorous work on our part and obedient care on God's is portrayed in Proverbs 27:23–27.
Whatever you do, do it well and with gratitude. You will enjoy it and receive God's blessing via it.
God expects you to give your work life when He places work in your life. We are grateful to You, Lord, for allowing us to labour for our daily bread and freely give it away.
