[This is the Fourth message in a series of 'Work and Work-issues' Devotionals begun on Oct.6]
Key verses:
Eccles.9:10a--"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..” (NAS)
Col.3:23-24- "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." (NKJV)
Numerous Americans hate their jobs. We're not referring to varied frustrations and occasional annoyances connected with a job. We're dealing with the reality that many Americans---by their own admission--- HATE what they do vocationally. A related complaint from employees is that they feel scorned by some of their coworkers.
Nevertheless---How hard we work isn’t primarily based on how we feel.
In his Bible Exposition Commentary on Eccles.9:10, Warren Wiersbe remarked: “The Jewish people looked upon work, not as a curse, but as a stewardship from God. Even their rabbis learned a trade (Paul was a tentmaker) and reminded them, ‘He who does not teach a son to work, teaches him to steal.’ Paul wrote, "If any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thess. 3:10).
"Do it with all your might" suggests two things: Do your very best, and do it while you still have strength. The day may come when you will have to lay down your tools and make way for a younger and stronger worker. “
In other words: Give it your best shot, while you still can.
There are times when you may need to leave a job based on ethical considerations or because you may collapse from exhaustion if you don’t leave. There are other contexts in which God may want you to remain at a job, despite your revulsion for it. It is unwise to make sweeping judgments or declarations binding on every Christian in every work environment.
That said----If you are currently working at a job you detest, and are unable to secure another one despite maximum effort, then take that as a likely indication (at least for the short term) that you are where God wants you to be. Envision your employment as for the Lord rather than for those coworkers who may care little about you. Give it your best shot and dedicate your on-the job energies to the glory of God, reminding yourself that you ultimately serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Key verses:
Eccles.9:10a--"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..” (NAS)
Col.3:23-24- "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." (NKJV)
Numerous Americans hate their jobs. We're not referring to varied frustrations and occasional annoyances connected with a job. We're dealing with the reality that many Americans---by their own admission--- HATE what they do vocationally. A related complaint from employees is that they feel scorned by some of their coworkers.
Nevertheless---How hard we work isn’t primarily based on how we feel.
In his Bible Exposition Commentary on Eccles.9:10, Warren Wiersbe remarked: “The Jewish people looked upon work, not as a curse, but as a stewardship from God. Even their rabbis learned a trade (Paul was a tentmaker) and reminded them, ‘He who does not teach a son to work, teaches him to steal.’ Paul wrote, "If any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thess. 3:10).
"Do it with all your might" suggests two things: Do your very best, and do it while you still have strength. The day may come when you will have to lay down your tools and make way for a younger and stronger worker. “
In other words: Give it your best shot, while you still can.
There are times when you may need to leave a job based on ethical considerations or because you may collapse from exhaustion if you don’t leave. There are other contexts in which God may want you to remain at a job, despite your revulsion for it. It is unwise to make sweeping judgments or declarations binding on every Christian in every work environment.
That said----If you are currently working at a job you detest, and are unable to secure another one despite maximum effort, then take that as a likely indication (at least for the short term) that you are where God wants you to be. Envision your employment as for the Lord rather than for those coworkers who may care little about you. Give it your best shot and dedicate your on-the job energies to the glory of God, reminding yourself that you ultimately serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
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