RUTH 2:7

“And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house.”

There’s a delightful story about a king, many years ago, who called his wise men together and gave them this commission: “I want you to compile for me the wisdom of the ages and put it in book form so we can leave it to posterity.”

The men left the king and worked hard. Sometime later they returned with 12 volumes. The king looked at the imposing volumes and said, “It’s too long and I fear people will not read it. Condense it!” Still later the wise men returned with only one volume. Again the king said, “Condense it.”

They then reduced the volume to a chapter, then to a page, then to a paragraph and finally to a sentence. When the king saw the sentence, elatedly he announced. “Gentlemen, this is truly the wisdom of the ages.” The sentence simply said, “There are no free lunches.”

Ruth recognized that sage truth as well. She did not wait for someone to come along with a handout; instead, she worked from “morning until now.” She was diligent in her labors and made a very favorable impression on the other harvesters.

God expects those who bear the name of Christ to honor Him through their work. Paul taught that “if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thess. 3: 10).

He also reminded the Christians at Thessalonica, “Nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you” (v. 8). A slacker is not only a disgrace to himself, but he brings shame upon the Lord as well.

Consider your job a blessing, not a burden. No matter how menial it might seem, see your work as an outlet to honor the Lord. Approach it every day with enthusiasm and dedication. After all, even the ability to work for a living is a gift from God (Eccl. 5:18-19).

WORK CAN BE WORSHIP WHEN YOU DO IT FOR GOD.

WOODROW KROLL
www.backtothebible.in