day 2699: Working Hard

“…Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.”

As we all know, hard work can take us a long way. In some work, it takes us all the way as our physical strength is the tool of our work. For others, hard work may mean greater concentration, focus and determination.  And yes, sometimes the hard work demands more time.  Regardless, those who work hard, give it their all and stick with it can expect recognition and appreciation because it is nearly impossible to not want to acknowledge those who worked harder than the rest.

Work is a funny word.  The definitions of work are these: “Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result. A task or tasks to be undertaken; something a person or thing has to do.”  What strikes me in the second definition are the words, “has to do”.  If we follow that definition and we allow God’s Word to instruct us in how we are to live, then we can’t ignore the word from Philippians.  That is to mean that we have to show the results of our salvation and to do so for the purpose of being obedient to God.  Some may find that a bit daunting, but I see it just the opposite.  It gives me the encouragement and excitement to want to get up and work harder today!

Reference: Philippians 2:12 (New Living Translation)