“Time to get up and go to work!”
“Another day at the factory.”
“I’ve had enough of this place!”
Most of us have probably had those thoughts at one time or another. But whether you like your job or love your job or hate your job, WORK is foundational to life on earth.
Work serves many purposes, chief among them: 1) Earn money; 2) Live well; and 3) Serve God.
Our work defines us and animates the screenplay of our life. It influences our moods and determines a large part of our personality. And it often decides whether our perspective swings toward satisfaction or drops into frustration.
Work is an honorable endeavor ordained by God. And it has a purpose that goes well beyond “making money.” It is an opportunity to witness to unbelievers.
People WANT to work!
An article in the New York Times captured this reality when it covered a massive relief effort in a country ravaged by poverty. It had just been crushed by a sky-scraper sized tsunami and relief workers were distributing food and water to a long line of thankful recipients. But when fishing nets where distributed, the area was flooded with a cacophony of cheers.
Work is an opportunity to witness the power of Christ and what he does in the lives of those who trust him.
ALL work makes God happy and enriches us if it is done with thankfulness and to God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Jesus was a carpenter and his followers worked, too. You could say that he abandoned the “professional priests” to hang out with hard-working folks.
God’s work ethic is based on all people being made in his image. That carries with it a responsibility for us to develop our life in a way that uncovers and utilizes our purpose to build his Kingdom.
I thank God regularly for the gift of toil and the way it nourishes my life. My prayer is that he keeps me aware of opportunities through my work to tell others about his love and saving grace.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What are you thankful for about your work?
“Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17
