Articles
The Value of Work
2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 gives a clear teaching that has been missed by many parents and governments alike. Paul exhorts all brethren to work to provide for their own sustenance. Many scriptures teach the value and necessity of working.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 ~ If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
Genesis 2:15 ~ Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.
Ecclesiastes 2:10 ~ For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor.
Proverbs 18:9 ~ He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
1 Timothy 5:8 ~ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
When parents neglect to teach their children to work, work well, and work happily they raise a generation that relies on others and are never happy. God intended mankind to work and have the satisfaction of accomplishment.
Proverbs 6:10-11 ~ A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep — So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.
Children often do not need more education, sports, music or entertainment to be happy. They do need to be taught to work hard, do a good job, give to the Lord, take care of their own needs, and then give to those less fortunate.
Proverbs 3:9 ~ Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;
Ephesians 4:28 ~ …working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
Work is one of the elements of happiness and blessing that God intended for our earthly life.
~John McPherson
