Get a Job! (Proverbs 12:11-24)
Dennis R. Wiles, May 18, 2014Part of the PLANTED...In Community to Build Relationships series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
Dennis R. Wiles
FBC Arlington
May 18, 2014
PLANTED
. . . In Community to Build Relationships
Spring 2014
Get a Job!
Proverbs 12:11, 14, 24
Text: Proverbs 12:11, 14, 24
Theology of Work
The God of the Bible is a God who works. He is the Creator of the universe and it is an expression of His will. He created human beings to bear His image and reflect His glory in creation. As image-bearers, we have been called to work as well. It is a part of our unique design. In order to fulfill God’s desire for us to join Him in His work, He has given us the various gifts needed to accomplish this task.
As we engage ourselves in the meaningful labor available to us, we develop a healthy independence from others. This independence does not separate us or isolate us from the community of believers in particular or the society at large. In fact, just the opposite occurs! We are able to assist those who are dependent because of our healthy independence. We also can employ our gifts and skills to enhance the common good for all people. We can live in interdependent relationships that are beneficial to both us and those around us.
In God’s original design, men and women were created as co-rulers over His creation. Both men and women were given the responsibility of bearing His image and reflecting His glory in creation.
Work must not become an idol. Certainly work has intrinsic value and dignity since God has ordained it. However, it is not the ultimate force in our lives and we must not look to it for ultimate meaning and significance. Though work is not the absolute object of our affection, it can be an instrument for followers of Jesus for ministry. We can be used by God in our workplaces to share His love, further His kingdom and reflect His glory. Through our work we can minister to people and become agents of transformation in society.
-Dennis R. Wiles
Through our work, we fulfill God’s desire for us to exercise dominion over His creation.
Through our work, we meaningfully participate in the economy of provision.
Managing relationships at work can be both challenging and rewarding.
God can use our vocational relationships to shape our character, influence others and bring about restoration.
Proverbs 12:11-24
11 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.
12 Whoever is wicked covets the spoil of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous bears fruit.
13 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
but the righteous escapes from trouble.
14 From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good,
and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
16 The vexation of a fool is known at once,
but the prudent ignores an insult.
17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
but a false witness utters deceit.
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
but those who plan peace have joy.
21 No ill befalls the righteous,
but the wicked are filled with trouble.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
but those who act faithfully are his delight.
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge,
but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
while the slothful will be put to forced labor. (ESV)
