An aged, bearded Muslim imam delivered a vigorous sermon, complaining loudly about the laziness of his people. He compared their work habits unfavorably to workers in the Western world, particularly in Europe and Germany. He noted that while his people worked about two hours a day, spending the rest of the time talking and drinking coffee, Europeans worked eight hours a day, producing goods for the marketplace. He shared an observation from a visit to Germany, arriving at 7 AM and finding the streets empty because people were already at work, and later at 7 PM, finding fewer people than expected as they were home resting with their families, preparing for the next day's labor. He also made a pointed comparison to a neighboring desert region, noting that while they shared the same desert, the other area had turned theirs green, producing income and wealth through their efforts. In contrast, a separate report highlighted the economic vitality of Israel, portraying a nation where life and work continue robustly despite global economic challenges. Israel's economy and stock market are thriving, with a workforce where twenty-four percent hold university degrees, leading the world in scientists and technicians per capita. The nation excels in high-tech industries, with significant contributions to global technology, demonstrating a strong commitment to labor and innovation. This prosperity and dedication to work stand in stark contrast to the imam's observations of his own people's lack of productivity.

God desires His people to live an abundant life, yet He emphasizes spiritual development over material gain. As He is constantly working, part of our growth involves learning to labor in ways that produce the fruit He seeks from us. In our physical lives, we require jobs to meet needs and have some surplus. Scripture offers guidance on the nature of our work: it must be moral and upright, as the integrity of the upright guides them. Our employment should not align with sinful pursuits of the world, and we must be free to observe all Sabbaths and worship God as He commands. Another principle is to work diligently. Whatever task we undertake, we should do it with all our might, as hard work is a hallmark of God's people. Examples abound of those who labored tirelessly: Jacob served Laban for twenty years, Ruth gleaned in Boaz's field all day, Solomon recognized Jeroboam's industriousness, the people rebuilding Jerusalem's wall worked from dawn to dusk, and the apostle Paul toiled under harsh conditions to spread the gospel. Those who invest time and effort in education or skills often secure better-paying roles, enhancing their livelihood over time. Scripture also highlights the value of diverse labor within a household. The Proverbs 31 wife exemplifies diligence through various profitable endeavors, including real estate, agriculture, crafting goods for sale, and aiding the needy, thereby supporting her family. Even in later years, spiritual labor remains vital for growth, as seen in Anna, the prophetess, who served God with fasting and prayers day and night in the temple, demonstrating that meaningful work endures throughout life.

Labor, as observed in the context of government operations, often lacks the efficiency seen in private enterprises. Government projects are frequently criticized for having more workers than necessary, with many standing idle, a situation a private business owner would not tolerate. Additionally, the security of government employment creates an atmosphere of contentment, which can blunt motivation to succeed, grow, or develop further. This sense of security, while providing stability, often diminishes the drive to push onward and upward, as employees focus on protecting their positions rather than striving for improvement. Historically, during times of scarcity like the Great Depression, work was hard to come by until significant events spurred job creation, allowing even young individuals to find steady employment. Yet, public opinion held that government jobs, though not highly paid, offered unmatched job security. This security, however, contributes to a lack of incentive among government workers, as there is little personal profit or overriding cause to motivate their labors. In contrast, when God settled Israel in Canaan, acting as their government, He apportioned land to every family, giving them a direct stake in both their family's and the nation's economy. As landowners and farmers dependent on weather controlled by a higher power, each Israelite had a personal investment in their labor, tied to God's provision. This model of direct reward for labor starkly contrasts with modern government systems, where individuals often feel isolated and directionless, merely holding on to what they have, leading to inefficiency in their work.

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon examines the nature of life and concludes that much of it is burdensome, lived in a world of unchangeable cycles where mankind toils under enduring circumstances. His reflections in chapters one and two include tests of wisdom, vast work projects, and the pursuit of pleasure, ultimately leading to deep considerations of labor's role in human existence. Work holds significant importance in aligning with God's purpose. God, as the ultimate Creator, sets the example by working continuously, as seen from the very beginning in Genesis where He is shown creating and ordering the world. His labor is not diminished by His supreme authority; instead, it establishes a pattern for all to follow. Jesus Christ also affirms this by stating that both He and the Father work without ceasing, upholding all things with purposeful energy. The Bible presents work in two forms: the labor for a livelihood and the works of Christian responsibility. Both are essential, metaphorically described as walking and working, illustrating the effort required to achieve God's great goals. The command to work was given to Adam and Eve before their sin, showing that labor is not a penalty but a fundamental aspect of life in God's image. Though the curse after their sin made work more arduous, God's intention remains that labor should be enjoyable and fulfilling. Labor serves as a visible witness of God to the world through the attitude and sincerity with which it is performed. Christians are to work as if serving Jesus Christ directly, understanding that they are His slaves, purchased by His sacrifice. This mindset elevates all labor, whether mundane or significant, to an act of glorifying God, prioritizing His work above personal gain or employer demands while maintaining responsibility and diligence in all tasks. Work requires sacrifice and investment of time and energy, a principle exemplified by God and Jesus Christ who knew the cost of Their creation and redemption efforts from the outset. This costliness of labor means denying oneself, overcoming carnal tendencies to take the easy path, and consistently applying effort to produce profit, whether in material wealth or spiritual growth. God desires that His followers avoid indolence, maintaining vision and responsibility to Him and others, striving to improve skills and character as part of His body, each contributing uniquely according to His design. The scriptures warn against disorderly conduct, such as ceasing to work under false pretenses, emphasizing that labor is a Christian duty to be performed with energy and enthusiasm. God works individually with each person, shaping their circumstances—whether in poverty or wealth—to produce the character and purpose He intends, ensuring that labor, in all its forms, aligns with His ultimate plan.