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Things that Matter
Work Matters
Genesis 1, Psalm 127, Proverbs 6, 12 and Colossians 3; 4:1


Genesis 1:26-30; 2:15 (Monday)
“Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so.” 2:15 “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (NIV)
1) Adam was commanded to subdue and rule the whole earth and all that is in it—quite a task! Still, notice that God placed Adam in a relatively small part of this earth and told him to work and care for that area. Why?
2) Today, if someone were to ask you if you enjoyed your work or your daily responsibilities, what would be your response? Do you think Adam enjoyed his responsibilities and work? Why or why not?
3) From these passages, what do you see as God’s heart concerning man and work? Curse, blessing, neither? Explain.
4) What role does obedience have in our response to our responsibilities or work?
5) What are some reasons as to why it would it not be good for a man or a woman not to have a responsibility, a work, a purpose? Are these the same thing?
Psalm 127:1-4 (Tuesday)
“Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.” (NIV)
1) Any work outside of God’s purpose and will for your life is vanity—worthless and meaningless! And, work without rest is foolishness! Have you ever observed a workaholic? What are some of the characteristics of a workaholic? How does this person’s obsessive response to work (and/or any activity) affect that person and/or his or her family? Why does this not glorify God? Why is this considered by God to be a fruitless effort?
2) God mentions children in the same verses pertaining to work and responsibility. Many today would consider this to be child abuse. Why is teaching obedience, responsibility and good work ethics important to bringing up a child?
3) Remember, spiritual sons (and/or daughters) could also be applicable to this passage. Why would it be good to have someone spiritually trained and aligned with you to stand against your enemies (i.e., satan and the world!)

I just have to quote this from our study guide, this week’s Transformation:

The Protestant Work Ethic
1) belief that work gives meaning to life
2) having a strong sense of duty to one’s work
3) belief in the necessity of hard work and of giving work (even before the family) the best of your time [and ability]
4) belief that work contributes to the moral worth of the individual and to the health of the social order (Go, our precious Sarah!)
5) viewing wealth as a major goal in life
6) viewing success in work as resulting primarily from work and as preparation for work
7) viewing success in work as resulting primarily from the amount of personal effort
8) viewing wealth that accrues from work as a sign of God’s favor

4) Do you agree with this creed—parts? Explain.
Proverbs 6:6-11 (Wednesday)
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” (NIV)
1) Talk about productive and effective work—have you ever observed an ant farm? They are a community! Each having an important role, working side by side, all for the survival of the entire colony! No me onlys! How is this like the church, the body of Christ?
2) Okay, without prejudice, how would you apply this passage to today’s welfare system?
3) Gotta ask—does our current welfare system help or hurt society as a whole?
Proverbs 12:13-15 (Thursday)
“An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” (NIV)
1) You can tell a hard, dedicated worker by his conversation? Comments?
2) How can advice advance someone in the home, or workplace? Is it always necessary?
Colossians 3:22-25; 4:1 (Friday)
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.” 4:1 “Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.” (NIV)
1) I don’t know about you, but I would love to hear Jesus say to me, “Well done! Thou good and faithful servant!” Wow, that would be the ultimate for me—to know I pleased my God! What about bosses who refused to acknowledge a job well done? Or, an unappreciative spouse? What should be our response? Why?
2) Husbands and bosses have a responsibility, too! They have to give an account! That won’t always be pretty, will it! Does that fact help you when faced with harsh or unfair treatment?
3) Just want to leave you with one reminder: Work is not part of the curse that resulted from sin entering the world! No, God gave Adam work prior to the curse (Work was commanded in Genesis 1, 2:15 and the curse that came upon the earth is found in Genesis 3:17-19! Something did happen to our work as a result of sin. What was it?
4) Sisters, we are meant for the good works that Christ has prepared for us since the beginning of the world (Ephesians 2:10!) This is so in our homes, in our jobs, in our communities. Let’s remember that even our God, and His Son, Jesus Christ are still working to this day (John 5:17.) Let’s get busy—we want that inheritance, but especially we want to please our God!
5) Another thing, if work was a curse, then why does Christ promise that we will rule with Him (2 Timothy 2:12 and Revelation 20:6!) It ain’t over!