Twin perils of the workplace (part 2).

Since Genesis 3, the problem of work in a fallen world is that it’s so easy for us to fail to accomplish God’s plans for our work. As we talked about in the last episode, we can make an idol or our work: we can worship it. But the other option is that we can become idle at work: lazy or inactive in our work.

Colossians 3:22 – 24:

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry 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 human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

1. Your work is merely a means to an end, a place to serve your own needs.

2. Your work totally frustrates you.

3. Your work becomes divorced from your Christian discipleship.

WHAT’S THE FIX FOR IDLENESS IN WORK?

Here’s the bottom line: our jobs matter to God. He created us to work, and even though frustration at work is an unescapable fruit of sin, God still uses our jobs to bring himself glory and to do good in and through our lives.

So what’s the solution to idleness? Repent. Turn from wrong ways of thinking, recognize idleness in work as sin, and recommit yourself to God’s purposes for your job.

Conclusion

Which of these mindsets do you lean towards more often? Work as an idol? Or an idle worker?