Torch, Fall 1983

Exhort servants to be obedien t unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things ; not answering aga in ; not purloining , but shewing all goodfidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Titus 2:9-10 We dare not miss the emphasis that Paul makes about work in these verses. (I) Even what some judged to be the lowlier tasks were to be done as to the Lord . These words were addressed to household servants whose jobs were at the bottom of the totem pole in status. They must have been encouraged with the realization that what they were doing was the will of God , that they ultimately were serving not a mere human master but the Lord Christ , and that by doing an exce llent piece of work they could actually adorn or enhance Christian doctrine. What dignity and value such concepts lend to any kind of work' Actually, no task should be considered as lowly, should it? (2) What others ranked as higher tasks were also to be done as to the Lord. Paul addressed not only the slaves but also their masters . He reminded them that their work was under the scrutiny of an impartial , heavenly Master. This corrected the false notion that they had ultimate authority. They , too , were accountable for what they did. Such concepts leveled both employee and employer to an equality of status before the Lord. (3) The work we do is to be done with enthusiasm or zest. Paul left no room for half-heartedness or "ho– humness. " He used such expressions as singleness of heart , from the heart , with good will , heartily, and to please them well . All of these indicated a positive and active enthusiasm toward work. (4) The ultimate reward for work well done was not wages . Paul ' s rationale and appeal for workers to do a bang-up job was that they would be rewarded by Christ himself. I believe that the Christian worker can and should enjoy the process as well as the products of his work. The Psalmist exhorts us to: Serve the Lord with gladness . ... (Psalm 100:2). Paul purposed to .. finish my course with joy .... (Acts 20:24). Work then is not something one does simply to fill up his weekdays. Work is service to Christ; it can be a spice of life. Our Lord made a very significant statement in John 9:4. He said , I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. Day speaks of life and night of death . Christ was simply saying that He must fill his allotted time on earth with meaningful work, productive effort for his Father. Once life was over and death had come , all opportunity for work would be past. Our hymn "Work For The Night Is Coming" vividly reminds us of this fact . Life is too short to be squandered on laziness. What then about laziness? Clearly , there is no room for it in the believer' s life. Solomon admon ished the sluggard to get to work , to get out of bed , or else to face real poverty (Proverbs 6:6- 11 ). He warned the slothful and the dull that they would lose the good things they did have by laziness (Proverbs 24:30-34). On the other hand , Solomon taught that the diligent person would stand before kings (Proverbs 22:29). We must buy up the opportunities which come our way because they will not always come and we may not be around to take advantage of them. We should "give every flying minute something to keep in store ." Finally , we must never forget Paul ' s command and exhortation to the Thessalonian believers : Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that wa lketh disorderly , and not after the tradition which he received of us . For yourselves know how ye ought to fo llow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and trava il night and day , that we might not be chargeable to any ofyou: not because we have not power , but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you , this we commanded you , that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all . but are busybodies . Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye , brethren, be not weary in well-doing. II Thessalonians 3:6-13 The disorderly brother is the one who refuses to work ; from such Pau l commands us to withdraw ourselves . Furthermore , we are supposed to follow Paul's example as one who worked tirelessly so as not to be a burden to the Thessalonian believers. He insisted on carrying his own weight rather than leaning on others . A person ought not to expect to eat if he is not willing to work . Even the Little Red Hen understood that essential principle! So ... let's get to work! Why? Work is an integral part of our human situation and designed that way by God himself. How? The work we do in life must be done for the Lord and not merely just for ourselves or others. When? Now! Our opportunity for working is limited; we must , therefore, make the best use of the time , energy , and health .our Lord gives to us today. In short, let's work at work! Rev. Warren is Associate Professor of Bible at Cedarville College and a 1964 alumnus. He received his Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary , has served in the pastorate , and is in great demand as a speaker. 5