Mark 6:3a (NLT) “He’s just a carpenter....

Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT) Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

1.The Basics

a. Show up to work

b. Be on time or early

Proverbs 18:19 (NLT) A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.

Romans 12:11 (NLT) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

2. Be honest

a. Do what you say you are going to do

Luke 16:10 (NLT) If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

Proverbs 11:3a (NLT) Honesty guides good people

b. Stay out of the gossip

Proverbs 20:19 (NLT) A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.

James 1:26 (NLT) If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

c. Do your job well and take responsibility for your actions

2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT) Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

3. Build relationships

a. Serving

I Peter 4:10-11b (NLT) God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

b. Seek counsel and advice

Proverbs 15:22 (NLT) Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

4. Have a good attitude

Ephesians 6:7 (NLT) Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT) Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

5. Give

a. Time and Talent

Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

b. Financially

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NLT) Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

6.Rest on the sabbath

Deuteronomy 5:13-14 (NLT) You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your oxen and donkeys and other livestock, and any foreigners living among you. All your male and female servants must rest as you do.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (NLT) So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Galatians 6:9-10 (NLT) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

Next Step: Work as unto the Lord to have a better work life