Increase by labour

When the apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church, he emphasised the need for a godly work ethic. He went as far as saying, ‘If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either’.
2 Thess 3:10. We’ll note that Paul was not addressing those unable to work, but those unwilling to work. If a person is not willing to work, then they must presume to receive from someone else’s work and provision. The Lord has established an economy whereby ‘he who gathers by labour will increase’. Prov 13:11. This mindset is particularly important for those in business.

A person in business should always be providing a genuine product or service. We should be generating increase by labour, not simply by exploiting others in the market place. So the first definition of one’s business is ‘the work’. We’ll recall the parable of Jesus when He spoke of the master giving ‘to each his work’. Mark 13:34. Every person is instructed by God to work.

A man’s work will include responsibilities in his family, the church and society. And for some, this work will extend to the operation of a business. According to this work, he should seek God for the provision of daily necessities, and then for abundant increase so that he has something to give. Thus, the command of Christ is to not be anxious about provision and to give. ‘Do not worry then, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear for clothing?” … for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.’ Matt 6:31-32.

The New Testament does not interpret this command from Christ as a release from work. Some have erroneously interpreted it this way, claiming that the ‘sweat of the brow’ is only the result of the fall. This is an error, since the Gospel of Mark tells us that all have been called to their work. The main thrust of Christ’s words has to do with personal anxiety and self-determined activity towards one’s work in life. Self-determined activity is what we choose for ourselves to be right without seeking direction from the Lord and wise counsel from others.

The command of Christ turns us away from anxiety and points us toward the ‘work’ of faith. We seek the Lord to find the righteous work that God has for us. In that work we receive provision and generate increase. We should appreciate that our work is a dignified and essential expression of sonship and discipleship. If a person’s work involves a business, it is stewarded in submission to God our provider.

Victor Hall

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Feature Articles
August 2008

Keeping your heart

Bearing His reproach

The staff of bread

The harmony of life

Honouring fatherhood

Elders and Deacons

Showing Virtue in tragedy

Becoming a seeker

The Goodness of God

The devotion of your youth

Increase by labour