Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:9
God makes it clear that we are to work/labor for six days and then rest on the seventh day. Here in America, we know that most people labor for only five days and then rest for two. “The five-day, 40-hour workweek became part of American labor law partly due to Henry Ford. In 1926, the founder of the Ford Motor Company took his six-day-a-week operation down to five days per week with no changes in employee compensation. He believed doing so would make his workers more productive—and more inclined to spend money during their downtime. With days off, people would have more time for leisure activities and shopping, spending their earnings, perhaps on vehicles. This landmark change made Ford one of the first companies in the nation to set the standard of a five-day workweek” (https://firmspace.com/theproworker/from-strikes-to-labor-laws-how-the-us-adopted-the-5-day-workweek). What we, as Christians, must do is work as unto our Lord and not for a company or person. God tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, Ephesians 6:7–8, Colossians 3:17, Colossians 3:23–24, 1 Peter 4:11, and many other Scriptures that as we work, we glorify God. Our work should be done with such excellence that we know we have honored our King whether anyone else notices or not. What we’ll receive one day is our full inheritance in and through Christ. The rewards of this world are so temporary and will never completely satisfy us. God knows what He has created us for—to do good works (Ephesians 2:10) and that includes our earthly jobs.
Challenge & Application
• What did God teach you today about how you do your work, and why?
• Since the way we do our work (even schoolwork) is to glorify God, how are you doing in glorifying God through your work?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!