Thursday, June 20, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Is it Friday...Yet (Think Again)

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil-this is the gift of God.

So many people dread going to work each day. Monday mornings have gotten a bad rap for years! However, our approach to work as a child of God should be much different than the average person. Ecclesiastes 3:9 asks, "What do workers gain from their toil?"

The answer is found in today's verse which offers encouragement for people to find "satisfaction in all their toil." In the original Hebrew, "toil" means "trouble or labor." Finding satisfaction in our work does not mean that we will be exempt from trouble or effort, but it does mean that for the most part, we can enjoy or be satisfied in what we do which is a gift from God.

I believe that labor is easier and more enjoyable when we have a greater revelation of what our work accomplishes. Ecclesiastes 3:11 further reveals the key to enjoyable work, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

When you realize that you have a purpose on this earth (specifically in a place where you spend 40+ hours a week), "work" elicits a totally different meaning.

Romans 14:12 warns that each of us will give a "personal account" to God one day. This account WILL include how we conducted ourselves in our workplaces. Colossians 3:23 further reveals that, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." It's easier to enjoy even the mundane tasks in life when we know that our efforts are bringing honor to God.

I challenge you today that if you feel nothing but contempt for your job, consider a change. If you are REALLY miserable with your career choice, seek The Lord about whether you are serving Him in the right capacity OR with the right attitude. Remember the grass is not always greener at the next job. Work is...WORK. It takes effort and commitment. The change you need may not be in another job but may be instead in your attitude about work. Always realize your ETERNAL purpose in what God has called YOU to do.

Dear Lord, I thank You for the opportunities that You have placed before me. Help me to realize Your purpose in all of my labors.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.