Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021
Monday, September 20, 2021
How many are your works, O Jehovah! With wisdom you have done them all. The earth is full of your creations (Ps. 104: 24).
How do most of the people where we live view work? In many countries, people work harder than ever. As a result, many are so busy that they do not have time to rest, spend with their families, or meet their spiritual needs (Eccl. 2:23). On the other hand, there are people who do not like to work and make excuses for not doing it (Prov. 26:13, 14). These attitudes are not balanced. But what do Jehovah and Jesus think of work? There is no doubt that Jehovah likes to work. Jesus made it clear by saying, "My Father continues to work until now, and I also continue to work" (John 5:17). Think of the countless number of spirit beings he made and the vast universe, as well as the many things he created on the beautiful planet we inhabit. w19.12 2 paras. 1, 2
Who gave Jesus a good example of what it is to work hard?
Surely, while Joseph was teaching the trade of carpenter to Jesus, his adopted son, he took the opportunity to teach him how God views work (Matt. 13:55, 56). And Jesus must have seen Joseph work hard day after day to support his large family. Notably, Jesus later told his disciples: "The worker deserves his pay" (Luke 10: 7). So he knew what it was like to work hard.
What texts show what the Bible teaches about hard work?
The apostle Paul also knew what it was like to work hard. He devoted himself above all to bearing witness to the name and message of Jesus. But he also worked to support himself. The Thessalonians knew that he had worked "day and night without rest and with great effort so as not to be a financial burden" on anyone (2 Thess. 3: 8; Acts 20:34, 35). By these words, perhaps he was referring to what he did in Corinth. There he stayed with Áquila and Priscila and “worked with them”, since “their job was to make tents”. Just because he said he worked "day and night" doesn't mean he didn't stop. For example, he took advantage of Saturdays to preach to the Jews, who did not work that day either (Acts 13: 14-16, 42-44; 16:13; 18: 1-4).
What can we learn from Paul's example?
The apostle Paul set a good example. Although he had to work, he made sure to participate regularly “in the holy work of the good news of God” (Rom. 15:16; 2 Cor. 11:23). He encouraged others to do the same as him. Consequently, Aquila and Priscilla were his "co-workers in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 12:11; 16: 3). Paul advised the Corinthians to "be very busy in the Lord's work" (1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Cor. 9: 8). And he wrote by inspiration: "If anyone does not want to work, let him not eat either" (2 Thess. 3:10).
What did Jesus mean by the words of John 14:12?
The most important work in these last days is preaching and making disciples. Jesus predicted that his followers would do works greater than his (read John 14:12). He did not mean that they would perform miracles, just like him, but that they would preach and teach in a larger territory, to more people and for longer than him.
What questions should we ask ourselves, and why?
If we have a job, let's ask ourselves: “Am I known as a good worker? Do I finish my work on time and do my best? ” If our answer is yes, it is likely that our boss trusts us and that our colleagues are more willing to hear the message of good news. On the other hand, in relation to our work of preaching and making disciples, let us ask ourselves: “Am I known as someone who works hard in the ministry? Do I prepare well for initial visits? Do I return to visit people who show interest right away? And do I participate regularly in the various facets of the ministry? If we answer yes, we are likely to enjoy our work.
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