Working for God: Great benefits package

Work: Beyond the paycheck, part 4 of 4
Pastor Vince DiPaola

I. The detriment of working for ourselves

“The laborer’s appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.” (Prov.16:26,NIV)

“So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 2:17, NIV)

Workaholic: Someone driven by personal needs to make

unhealthy, obsessive commitments to work and career.

Working past work holism: (taken from Ecclesiastes 2:17-26)

1. Remember what truly lasts

“Suddenly, I realized that others would someday get everything I had worked for so hard, then I started hating it all. Who knows if those people will be sensible or stupid? Either way, they will own everything I’ve earned by hard work and wisdom. It doesn’t make sense.” (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19, CEV)

2. Release your drive for recognition

“I thought about all my hard work, and I felt depressed. When we use our wisdom, knowledge, and skill to get what we own, why do we have to leave it ?” (Ecclesiastes 2:20-21, CEV)

3. Refocus your thoughts elsewhere

“What do we really gain from all of our hard work?… at night our thoughts are troubled. It just doesn’t make sense. The best thing we can do is to enjoy eating,*drinking* and working. I believe these are God’s gifts to us, and no one enjoys eating and living like I do.” (Ecclesiastes 2:22-25, CEV)

II. The delights of working for God

“If we please God He will make us wise, understanding and happy. But if we sin, God will make us struggle for a living…” (Ecclesiastes 2:30, TEV)

“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain… In vain you rise early and stay up late…” (Psalm 127:1–2, NIV)

Work-for–Godic: Someone who uses work to honor God.

Becoming God’s Employee: (taken from Colossians 3:22–4:1)

1. Recognize who you ultimately work for

“Slaves (employees), obey your earthly masters (employer) 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.” (Colossians 3:22–23, NIV)

2. Reinvigorate your work by keeping God’s reward in mind

“Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:24, NIV)

3. Reflect on God’s purposes for work and life

“Whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV)