The Bible encourages us to work hard: ‘A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.’ We all know that if we don’t put effort into things, whether that’s our career, our exams, or our relationships, we’re not going to get the result we’d like. It’s important for us to recognise that hard work is necessary to progress. Having visions and dreaming dreams is important, but if we never put the work in to making those visions and dreams become a reality, then they probably won’t. When God calls us to do something, it won’t always be easy. God doesn’t do everything for us. We have to put the work in, but God will give us the strength and the wisdom we need to be able to move forward. God calling us to work for Him can be seen all the way back in Genesis 2. The Bible says: ‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it’ (v.15 NIV). We also have a responsibility to use the gifts that He’s given to us. We need to put work in to develop those gifts, and then take opportunities to use them. But we need to be careful that we don’t overwork. God’s calling us to hard work, not to become workaholics. If we work too hard, we risk losing our relationships with others, our peace, and our health. We might burn out, and when that happens, our ability to work and serve well fades. Instead we need to cultivate a healthy, balanced lifestyle between working hard at what we’ve been called to, and resting to ensure that we’re able to continue working and serving well.

What Now?

Have a read of Colossians 3:23. Then make the commitment to work for God in every task you have to do today. Does it change how much effort you put in?