Reach4Life- Journey 3: LiveSample

DAY SIX: WORK & SCHOOL

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

LISTEN

Ted was a talented soccer player who played badly. His father never watched him play. Then his father died and curiously, he began playing really well. Ted never missed practices. When his coach asked him what had changed he said, “Now that my father has passed away, he might be watching me play – I don’t want to let him down”.

Let’s read about how God, our heavenly Father, watches over us, and how knowing this we should be inspired to work hard…

LOOK

Colossians 3:17, 22-4:1

LEARN

In Bible times, most money-earning workers were called slaves. These verses speak about our attitude to work. People wrongly imagine that God is only interested in us doing spiritual things like praying, or reading the Bible. Not so! God is interested in every aspect of our lives, especially our work. Everything we do is spiritual – our duties at home, our schoolwork, our earning an income.

So how do we work in a God-pleasing way?

· Do everything with God’s help and for God’s glory (v23)

· God wants to help you develop your knowledge and skills. Do it for God, not people (v23)

· Don’t focus mainly on pleasing people (like bosses, parents or teachers). Rather, strive to please God first. Then you will be motivated to work hard when no one, except God, is watching (v22)

· Put your whole heart into whatever you do (v23)

· The way to success is hard work. Ask God to help you have a vision for your life, then work wisely towards it. A great vision will inspire great sacrifices that will result in great rewards (v24)

· Don’t abuse your power over others (4:1).

God wants equal opportunity for all!

LIVE

· On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being top score, how hard a worker are you?

· What changes in your attitude to work might God want you to make?

· What are your dreams in life?

LINK

For more on Work & School, read:

2 Thessalonians 3:5-15