Work with a deeper purpose

By Randell Tiongson on March 28th, 2023

We each have work to do. Everything we do — from the way we work to how we talk — is an act of worship to God.

One of the reasons we work is to experience happiness in God (Ecclesiastes 3:22). When we exert energy to complete a task, there is joy from accomplishing something. God is the source of all work; our meaning is found in Him, no matter what work we’re doing.

Work also gives us the financial means to meet our needs, help others and worship Jesus. By working toward something and earning a living, we are building a life of freedom. Freedom is the ability to live according to God’s directions rather than according to the restrictions of our debts or obligations. Working is how God has designed us to live in this freedom.

God wants to do work in you, not just make you accomplish tasks. Perhaps you’re in a difficult job with challenging co-workers and impossible tasks or maybe your business is experiencing difficulties. It may be a chance for you to grow in faithfulness, dedication and overcoming conflicts. When we work, our character is built and we’re better equipped to do more work God calls us to in the future (whether it’s in a career, running a business, serving others or anything else).

Ultimately, our jobs are about stewardship. We’ve been given great opportunities to use our minds, bodies, creativity and attitudes that God has allotted for us. Be responsible and grateful for the resources and abilities you have. Work because you’ve received a task from Jesus, not just income.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ”.

Colossians 3:23-24, ESV

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Make business a godly pursuit

By Randell Tiongson on February 13th, 2020

“The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.” – Proverbs? ?11:26, ESVIn the agrarian economy in existence at the time Proverbs was written, the material welfare of the people depended upon production and trade of grain. A farmer who withheld grain committed a serious enough offense to invoke a curse. A farmer who sold grain committed a worthy enough act to invoke a blessing. Production and trade was God’s primary method of delivering the means of material sustenance to people.

The principle remains true today. Our economies are much more complex, but a modern business is the equivalent of the ancient farmer. God still uses production and trade to deliver material sustenance to people, enabling them to flourish.

In common with every human institution, business is marred by sin. All of us can readily point to examples of greed and exploitation of people and the environment, but it is wrong for us to conclude that business is not a sacred pursuit. Business is a God idea and is included in God’s great plan for redemption of the world!

God is looking for godly people who are prepared to make business their mission in life. A business producing goods or services, helping people flourish, activating biblical principles in ethics and justice, and contributing to the common good by supporting the local church financially and paying taxes to the government is a business after God’s own heart!

Business is thoroughly a godly pursuit. When businesses engage in production and trade ethically and justly, there is blessing for the whole society. Business, like anything we do in life should ultimately bring glory to God.

 

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Why is money mentioned a lot in the Bible?

By Randell Tiongson on February 8th, 2020

Did you know that financial matters are mentioned in the Bible more often than prayer, healing, or mercy? I have read that there are over 1,300 passages about money and possessions — yup, that much!

Why would the Bible give so much attention to money when Matthew 6:33 assures us that we don’t need to focus on worldly matters like our bank balance? It says that so long as we seek the kingdom of God, we have nothing to worry about. Yet the sad truth is that most people are only one peso away from financial disaster, and too many of us are consumed by money worries. If you sometimes catch yourself spending more time stressing about money than growing in your relationship with God, you are not alone. Though the Bible tells us to place our trust in our eternal security, all too often our attention is focused on concerns about our temporary security.

It’s no wonder, then, that finances are mentioned so many times in the Bible. God must have thought money was important because it’s the one thing that constantly pulls us away from him. What can you do to get your finances under control and devote yourself to the stuff that really matters, rather than money worries? You must be willing to make some sacrifices, and constantly pray for strength and guidance from God. By placing your trust and faith in Him, your money, your relationships, your life, and whatever else is important to you, your life will be everything you ever dreamed of. If you do it God’s way.

Be a good steward and make Jesus the lord of your life, and especially your wallet and you will begin to understand that God has great plans for you and for your part in the building of His kingdom. After all, your money is not yours, it is His.

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts.

(Haggai 2:8, ESV)

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