An Encouraging Work
How do we view our work? Are we living out our dreams every day we wake up or just suffering to make ends meet? Although we may not consider it heavily, our perspectives on the workplace we enter every day really do make a difference. It is my personal belief and conviction that we don’t have to be in our dream job to be happy in what we do. It really comes down to a spiritual mindset.
I heard a preacher once say that the child of God ought to be the hardest and most reliable workplace employee. It doesn’t matter what level of education or training the job in and of itself requires, the blood-bought saint should stand out. Next to preparing and serving in ministry, I have worked in jobs as basic as cleaning an office to as complex as management. And, of course, I’ve had many experiences serving in ministry alone. In every job position and responsibility, God has always blessed me greatly. Although I can’t say that I truly loved every job God put me in, I can say that I found joy in it. How is this possible?
I. Work is a Gift from God
Whatever God has given you to do today, it is a gift from Him. Solomon, in all of his wisdom, confirms this exciting reality.
“I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3: 12-13
Consider it this way. God has not just “given” you your job, He has “entrusted” you with your job. Whether great or small in the eyes and opinions of others, it is the unique opportunity God has given you. He has entrusted it to you to please and honor Him. It is like the servants with different talents. How can you use your unique skills to invest in the job position God has entrusted unto you?
II. Work is Pleasing to God
Another great reality for the Christian laborer is the wonderful opportunity we have to please our Heavenly Father. There may actually not be a better opportunity to bring honor to our Lord than in our workplace. If we firmly believe that God works on purpose in our lives, and not by accident or chance, then we may be certain that God desires to use us right where we are. Solomon, again, encourages us to freely put our God-given skills on display!
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
There are NO EXCEPTIONS here! All job classes qualify concerning this truth. As ambassadors of God, we have the opportunity to excel in anything and everything God opens up
for us to do. “Commit thy works unto the Lord…” (Proverbs 16:3a). There is a day coming when we will no longer be able to work anymore. One day we will all breathe our final breath here on Earth and the book of our lives will be closed and sealed. All of our works will be judged and tried before Almighty God. Don’t waste precious time seeking after what God has blessed another man with and live an unfulfilled, discontented life, but please Him right now where you are. Leave the results up to God.
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31