FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

Genesis 1:29, 31; 2:8, 15, 19; Ecclesiastes 3:13, 5:19, II Thessalonians 3:10, Proverbs 24:30, 31, 33, 34, 10:4; Ephesians 4:28; Philippians 2:13; Proverbs 6:6; Deuteronomy 6:6, 7; Titus 2:3-8

We must go to God’s Word to learn about particular subjects in life. Upon learning, we apply it to our lives, knowing it is part of God’s plan. One aspect of knowledge is the benefits of physical work, something the younger generations may not be grasping. The older must teach the younger. Learning the value of work is vital to good stewardship of what God has given us.

When God placed man upon the earth, He gave man every herb bearing seed and every tree yielding seed to be for meat. “Meat” is food or that which man needs to sustain himself physically. God gave man all the rich resources of the earth so he could live abundantly. Part of God’s original plan for His man included physical work. God put man in the garden of Eden to dress it and keep it. This means Adam was to labor or to work. He became the steward, yet not without God’s help. God gave man the opportunity to work with God’s assistance.

Ecclesiastes teaches us that it is good for man to enjoy the fruit of his labor because it is the gift of God. Man should enjoy work, then take a portion of the fruit as a gift of God. When we are teaching young people about work, we not only tell them what God says about the importance of work, we also allow them to see and enjoy the fruits of their labor. We pray, work and play.

God’s Word commands the Christian to work. If any refuses to work, he should not eat. If a man has the ability to work, but chooses to be lazy, that man has no portion. In our families, the children should be given work responsibilities, allowing them to contribute to the good of the family. Then, to teach them the benefits of work and reward, they can be given an allowance, from which they can learn good stewardship. This way, they will learn to enjoy the fruit of their labor.

Young people need help from the elder, not just in doctrine or word but by example. Teaching children requires patience and vision, time and energy. What we can teach our young people today will help them be good stewards of what they will have later. Let us thank God for work and health to work!