Allen Jackson - Work and Money - Part 2
Building on the call to serve the Lord faithfully, this message emphasizes that to those given much—like abundant opportunities and resources—much is required, urging believers to honor God first with money and time through generosity, to embrace the biblical dignity and blessing of work as partnership with God, and to live knowing He will reward faithful effort and judge our motives.
To Whom Much Is Given—Much Required!
I don’t know if we’ll cover this next time, but Jesus said a lot about it: “To whom much is given, much is required.” In our historical and global context, this generation has been given unbelievable gifts. If English is your first language, that’s an incredible advantage—serious Bible students worldwide often learn English for the vast resources available.
The abundance in our lives, the opportunities for us and our children—we know some have more, and we don’t have everything we want—but there is accountability. We will give an account.
Honor God First With Your Money
Learn to give God first priority with your money. Take those Scriptures and seven statements, invite the Spirit: “God, I want to learn to honor You with my money.” Part of that is generosity. It’s not the main point today, but I’ve lived this since boyhood: I believe the first tenth of income belongs to the Lord.
I’m not legalistic—“gross or net?” You and the Lord work it out. Capital gains? Stop overcomplicating. We’re not under law, but the first portion isn’t even mine—it’s His. I’m happy to give it. Sometimes a tenth is sacrifice; other times, far less. I’ve always wanted my giving to reflect sacrifice, not limit it to a formula.
God has always been faithful. I feel the same about time—I give it regularly, even when “time management” experts would advise against. It isn’t my time; it’s the Lord’s. I serve His people at His pleasure. There’s discretion, but I still volunteer chunks of my week because I intend to serve the Lord with my life.
Be generous—it brings God’s good things into your life. It’s counterintuitive, culture won’t reinforce it, but it’s biblical.
Is Work Really a Curse? Think Again!
Our attitude toward work has shifted dramatically in recent decades—not just younger generations, but parents and grandparents who worked hard and didn’t want their kids to. That’s unfortunate, because there’s biblical value, dignity, and honor in work—God built it into us and this earth.
We weren’t designed to live just for recreation. Recreation is good, relaxation necessary, rest important—but there’s a biblical call to work. Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Your Work Earns Eternal Rewards
There’s inheritance and reward from the Lord. Remember the parables of talents—stewards entrusted with resources, accounting required upon the master’s return, rewards for the faithful. This isn’t prosperity gospel—it doesn’t guarantee ease or riches, and wealth isn’t ungodly.
But if you honor God, work heartily as for Him. No matter whose name is on your paycheck, you went to work in the Lord’s name. I serve this congregation to serve Jesus—this is the station He gave me. That changes everything. We’ve drifted; it’s countercultural now—82% of Americans hate their jobs, seeing work as necessary evil until retirement.
Your Job Matters Deeply to God
There’s a book, “Your Work Matters to God.” Millions go to work without connecting it to God’s desires. Does selling insurance matter to God? The authors say yes—your work matters deeply to Him. It has intrinsic value, inherently worth doing.
Through work we serve people, meet needs—our own, family’s, others’—earn to give, and love God. We don’t serve God only in church; we serve Him all day.
Work is a blessing, not curse. Bad theology pictures God punishing Adam and Eve with work. But God is a worker—six days creating, then resting one, and back to work. Jesus said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working” (John 5:17).
Work Existed Before the Fall—Perfect!
God gave Adam work before sin: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). One word there means “guardian”—Adam was to guard the garden. Christians shouldn’t ignore culture; we’re called as watchmen.
Work was part of perfect existence. Sin brought painful toil, but God’s original intent was good—for self-worth, relationships, meeting needs. Work still does that.
Why Work Is Essential to Your Soul
Work is essential to well-being. I’ve had many jobs—factories, cleaning horse stalls (hot, smelly, never stays done). But early morning, after cleaning, grooming aisles, spraying flies—I’d look back at clean stalls with satisfaction.
It wouldn’t last 45 minutes—horses would mess it up—but God wired us for that emotional need met only by honest work. Rest doesn’t give the same. Science confirms: Made in Creator’s image, we desire to create, accomplish, feel satisfaction and self-respect from tasks.
Ecclesiastes 3: “Everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.” Work isn’t to avoid; it’s to teach, pass down generationally—like old apprenticeships.
You’re God’s Business Partner at Work
Work is partnership with God. Jesus: “My Father is always at His work... and I too am working.” As a boy, I’d ride with my vet dad on calls—treat horses on farms, bologna sandwiches at country stores. Treasured memories of joining Father’s work.
Now I start days thinking, “I’m joining my heavenly Father today.” Calendar full, but essence: Represent His kingdom. When we work, we partner with God meeting world needs—food, shelter, education, love, salvation. God depends on us expressing that.
God Will Judge Your Work—Get Ready!
God will judge our work—awkward, but true. To some: “Well done.” To others: “Wicked, lazy servant”—removed, weeping and gnashing of teeth. Describes those near God’s purposes but refusing to participate—final remorse.
Ephesians 4:28: Steal no longer, but work usefully “that he may have something to share with those in need.” Four criteria: motives (to share), effort, integrity, usefulness.
God weighs hearts (Proverbs 21). We justify anything—baptize ungodly motives. Jesus: God knows your hearts (Luke 16). Be honest with Him—“Ungodly looks easier sometimes.” He’s more concerned with motives and what we do with earnings than amount.
We Need Godly People With Resources
There’s need for heart-oriented believers God can trust with significant resources—they’re needed on earth. I’d love wealthiest lists full of overt Christians. But we want Christian leaders yet don’t support them—criticize personality over character, like Dr. Ben Carson.
We judge wealthy believers instead of celebrating God’s work in them.
God judges efforts too—best effort? Great quote: “I’m a missionary for Jesus Christ, cleverly disguised as checkout clerk at Kroger.” We’re all full-time servants—no spectator Christians. Satan’s lie separates “full-time ministry” from rest.
If nurse, partner restoring health. If teacher, developing God’s children. Whatever task—serve God and people. Dignity in work.
Abound in Every Good Work—Claim It!
Let’s use talents, resources, time for His glory—reflect His grace, having all we need for every good work. Teach that to children, grandchildren. Then dollar, Dow, Fed don’t matter—God secures futures.
From 2 Corinthians 9:8, a proclamation (stand if you will):
God is able to make all grace abound to me, so that in all things at all times, having all that I need, I may abound in every good work, amen.
Good enough to say again:
God is able to make all grace abound to me, so that in all things at all times, having all that I need, I may abound in every good work, amen.