What kind of work can Christians do?
Are there jobs that God disapproves of?
Many Christians have concerns when it comes to work and making a living. They ask, “Is this acceptable? Can I do this?” Here are more of these questions worth thinking through, so take a moment to carefully reflect on them:
- Are there professions or activities that, regardless of profitability or convenience, are not acceptable for a Christian?
- If you own a supermarket, is it okay to sell alcohol or cigarettes?
- If you are offered a job as a bartender in a nightclub, is it “just a job,” or is there something more to consider?
- What if your boss wants you to do something like sing and dance to secular songs as part of your job, what do you do? Where do you draw the line?
- If you are a doctor, are there limits to what you should do? Can you perform abortions in certain cases because it is part of medical practice or pays well?
- If you run a pharmacy, should you sell abortifacients and pills that may harm others just because they are profitable?
- What about cryptocurrency? Is it a biblical way to make money?
- What do you think of Cybercrime (commonly called “Yahoo”); which brings quick money? How about gambling? If I can’t gamble, can I at least work in a gambling shop
Now, Let’s Get to the Scriptures…
Look through the following scriptures. Read them thoughtfully and prayerfully, and understand God’s perspective on work.
Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. (Genesis 2:15 ESV)
Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work… (Exo 20:9-10 ESV)
A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. (Prov. 10:4 ESV)
The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment. (Prov. 12:11 BSB)
Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. (Eccl. 9:10 BSB)
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. (Eph. 4:28 BSB)
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:33-35 BSB)
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. (Eph. 2:8-10 BSB)
ALSO READ: CHANGING GOD?
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5 BSB)
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. (2 Thess. 3:6-14 ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Col. 3:23-24 ESV)
Try your best to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work hard, just as we taught you to do. Then you will be respected by people who are not followers of the Lord, and you won’t have to depend on anyone. (1 Thess. 4:11-12 CEV)
Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men. (Prov. 22:29 ESV)
Let the Word of God speak for itself; study it, weigh it, and draw your own conclusions. Then join us next week as we continue the conversation on the Christian and their work.impressive?
READ NEXT: HONOUR (PART 26)
