Why Work?

Even though God owns the world and everything in it, He expects us to work faithfully and diligently.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 sets a clear baseline: "Even while we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'Those who will not work shall not eat.'"

As adults with families and careers, no one will enforce discipline on us except ourselves—especially if we run our own business. Self-discipline becomes essential. Far too many people fall short of their potential simply because they get comfortable and lose control.

The Book of Proverbs paints a vivid picture of what happens when we lack discipline:

• No prosperity without effort: "Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich." (Proverbs 10:4)

• Wasted potential: "Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find." (Proverbs 12:27)

• Basic neglect: "Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth." (Proverbs 19:24)

• Defeated before starting: "The lazy person claims, 'There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!'" (Proverbs 22:13)

• Misguided arrogance: "Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors." (Proverbs 26:16)

Jesus goes further, tying true discipline directly to discipleship in Matthew 16:24: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'"

Carrying the cross could be carrying a burden of suffering - for Him; but it can also be committing to God's purpose for our lives. This involves two vital truths:

First, Jesus needs to be in front guiding us, not sitting in the backseat. 

Second, Be passionate to serve God with our whole heart. Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us that we are created to do good works.

Keep your passion alive, stay hungry, and know that your labor is never in vain.