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INTRODUCTION: A vital part of the Christian life is our everyday conduct, especially at our place of work. This is where we have the opportunity to show our strength or weakness regarding the Lord and His church. When folks know we are Christians, they will watch us.

A. Our work should be beneficial to others (Eph. 4:28; II. Thes. 3:6-13; I Tim. 5:8; 11-14 women).

B. Jesus was a carpenter. What kind of worker do you think he was? (I Peter 2:21-24).

1. Jewish father did four things for their children: (1) circumcised them; (2) redeemed them (Webster: "To deliver from sin and its penalties, as by a sacrifice made for the sinner); (3) taught them the law; (4) and taught them a trade. Jesus & Joseph (Matt. 13:55 & Mark 6:3).

C. A busy life is necessary to happiness. Idleness is dangerous to self and others. Idle mind is the Devil’s workshop.

A. Honest (I Peter 2:12; II Cor. 13:7; Hebrews 13:18). An honest day’s work for a day’s pay! Will tell the truth. Not be guilty of stealing from the company.

B. Fair Just and Considerate of all others (Col. 4:1; I Tim. 6:1,2).

C. Happy and cheerful to others (I Thes. 5:16; Phil. 4:4).

D. Loyal to our convictions (I Cor. 16:13; Eph. 6:10). Dare to be a Daniel (Daniel 6:10).

1. Don’t gamble or give to funds which you can not approve, participate in parties or activities which would be unbecoming to a Christian.

E. Possess a good knowledge of the scriptures (II Tim. 2:15; I Peter 3:15). Example of Arthur Guest in Charleston, SC.

F. Keep yourself & your temper under control (Eph. 4:25-27; James 1:19,20)

1. An ancient proverb is: "Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad."

2. Also, it has been said: "The best year-round thermometer is a warm heart and a cool head."

G. Humility (Eph. 4:1,2; James 4:6, 10; I Peter 5:5,6).

H. Clean speech—No cursing (Eph. 4:29); Slang (Col. 3:8; I Thes. 5:22); Avoid dirty or ugly jokes and stories (Eph. 4:29; Col. 3:8); and Jesting that suggests evil (Eph. 5:3,4).

1. Our speech can betray us if we do not guard it. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be accept in thy sight, O Lord and my Redeemer."(Psalm 19:14).

 

A. Our Habits, such as smoking, drinking, gambling, etc. can completely close the door to our friends who are members of some denomination that has strict disciplines.

B. Use tact in dealing with their habits that annoy you. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

C. Do not be a hypocrite. Do not talk out of both sides of your mouth. Also, do not profess what you do not or will not practice.

D. Work provides many challenges, but may provide many opportunities also. May God give us the strength to use them wisely to His glory and to the upbuilding of the Lord’s church.

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