Most of us do it. Some of us do it for pay; others do it on a volunteer basis.
And the volunteer work and the work of motherhood are equally as valuable
to God, as the work that earns $100,000 a year. As Martin Luther said (not
a direct quote), all work is valuable - even sweeping a floor - if it is
offered up as service to God. Today we will see some of what God's word has
to say about work. All passages are from the New American Standard Bible
(NASB).
Ecclesiasates 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do
it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge
or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 ...Make it your ambition to lead
a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just
as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and
not be in any need.
Proverbs 31:10-19 An excellent wife, who can find? For
her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, And
he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days
of her life. She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.
She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. She rises also
while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her
maidens. She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants
a vineyard. She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. She
senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. She
stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle.
1 Timothy 5:14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get
married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for
reproach.
Matthew 9:9-10 Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper
for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals,
or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.
1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT
MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,'' and "the laborer is worthy of his
wages."
Ephesians 4:28 He who steals must steal no longer; but
rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that
he will have something to share with one who has need.