While writing a future blog post, a memory crossed my mind. Years ago when my Grandmother, we called her Momma Edna, was very ill suffering from an extreme case of arthritic pain in her shoulders. The pain was so intense she could not even raise her arms.

In those days I called her frequently to check on her because she was my favorite grandmother whom I loved dearly and we would always have some interesting conversations. She loved the Lord and did whatever she could in His service. It was around November, and she’d always have boxes of food to pass out and would usually drive, but now that it was difficult for her she had my daughter, Monique drive her and help deliver the boxes.

We talked about many things that day but the one piece of wisdom…

We talked about many things that day but the one piece of wisdom I walked away with was —Despite her pain and suffering she said, “Claudia, the one thing that’s bothering me is that I can’t serve God like I used to.” She wasn’t complaining about her condition, she wasn’t asking “God, why me?” She was most concerned about her service to the Lord.

And there I was in great physical condition—questioning my priorities. Was I serving God with my all and all or was I taking my physical posture for granted along with other things He’d blessed me with?

Then I sought the word of God and found the Bible has a lot to say about work. Here are some key points and verses:

*Work is a gift from God: Work is not a punishment, but rather a blessing from God. It is a way for us to honor Him and serve others.

*Work with all your heart: Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” This means we should strive to do our best in our work, recognizing that ultimately we are serving God (Open Bible).

*Work is part of God’s big picture: God is sovereign over all things, including our work. He is progressing His created order through our efforts. God is always working for it is written: Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:4 NKJV) Jesus never stops working—Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25 NKJV)This verse means that Jesus is always alive and working at the right hand of God, making it possible for people to come to God at any time.

*Obey your masters: For those in subordinate roles, Colossians 3:22 instructs, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.” This principle can be applied to many work relationships (GCU).

Examples of hard work and diligence: Proverbs 12:11 says, “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” Proverbs 14:23 adds, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” These verses emphasize the value of hard work and diligence (Watermark Community Church).

Overall, the Bible presents work as a vital part of the Christian life. We are to approach our work with excellence, integrity, and a mindset of serving God.

Although Momma Edna has gone on home to be with the Lord I thank God for her because this lingering thought has kept me consistent and diligent concerning the matters of God many times when I felt like throwing in the towel. Thank you Momma Edna I love and miss you so much.

And thank you all for your continued readership and support. Until next week…Blessings and Peace!

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