Today, accountability and encouragement for a high work ethic is very different than when I first entered the workforce. I remember going to my first job and thinking, “I hope I can measure up and do my part to make this business successful.” I was nervous because I wanted to do well. To be a part of a whole or team was exciting for me. I worked hard to go above and beyond what was expected, because I was grateful for each job and the task I was given. It felt good when my employers affirmed my performance. Sometimes my supervisors were tough to please, but I pressed in to do my best.
Scripture affirms this level of work ethic for God’s sons and daughters. The Apostle Paul teaches Christ’s followers, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Col 3:23). As believers, we should have the highest work ethic in the world, because we already know we have been placed on earth to bring God glory. He gave us gifts and abilities and we are to use them to bring honor to his name. We have the ability to glorify God with every task done in excellence. He will reward us.
In our Luken passage today, Jesus shares a parable about having a high work ethic and how essential it is to pleasing the Father. Jesus has been telling his disciples he will be going away for a while, but they are to remain faithful and productive with every task. Every encounter and every job has the ability to reveal holiness even in the diligence of our work. In this way, we can expand and grow God’s Kingdom while we wait for the Lord’s return. Jesus will hold his children accountable for how we used his gifts and grace resources.
We must:
- Make the growth of God’s Kingdom a priority
- Use wisely our time and resources to promote Kingdom growth
- Understand the riches of his grace God has entrusted to us
- Work in a way that glorifies God
Luke 19:11-27 NLT Parable of the Ten Servants
11 The crowd was listening to everything Jesus said. And because he was nearing Jerusalem, he told them a story to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away. 12 He said, “A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. 13 Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’ 14 But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want him to be our king.’
15 “After he was crowned king, he returned and called in the servants to whom he had given the money. He wanted to find out what their profits were. 16 The first servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made ten times the original amount!’
17 “‘Well done!’ the king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.’
18 “The next servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made five times the original amount.’
19 “‘Well done!’ the king said. ‘You will be governor over five cities.’
20 “But the third servant brought back only the original amount of money and said, ‘Master, I hid your money and kept it safe. 21 I was afraid because you are a hard man to deal with, taking what isn’t yours and harvesting crops you didn’t plant.’
22 “‘You wicked servant!’ the king roared. ‘Your own words condemn you. If you knew that I’m a hard man who takes what isn’t mine and harvests crops I didn’t plant, 23 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
24 “Then, turning to the others standing nearby, the king ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’
25 “‘But, master,’ they said, ‘he already has ten pounds!’
26 “‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 27 And as for these enemies of mine who didn’t want me to be their king—bring them in and execute them right here in front of me.’”
Prayer: Lord, help us to be good stewards of the talents, gifts, and resources you have given us. We want to use them wisely to grow and expand your Kingdom. You are trustworthy and we know you will position us where we need to be and cause us to be successful for the advancement of your Kingdom on earth. Help us to look at every task or job, today, as an opportunity to please you and bring you glory. When our motives are pure, our success is sure. In Jesus’ name. Amen.