This verse stuck out to me when I was reading through Proverbs last week. It got me thinking about what motivates us to work the way we do. Why do we think we have the job we have? And what goals do we have career-wise?
We seem to live in a workaholic culture where wealth is the ultimate goal. People step on other people to get ahead. Some people slave away in college for those degrees that will hopefully bring them wealth in the future. We lose sleep, and we even cut our time with Jesus short (or forgo it altogether) to make time for more work. Or maybe we work at places that we don't even enjoy working at, but it pays well. I'm sure there are a hundred different scenarios I could list.
I have nothing against a hard worker. In fact, I admire people who work hard and always appreciate those that take their jobs and education seriously. It is important, and I wholeheartedly support anyone who is meeting their deadlines, making good grades and learning more about their field of wholesome, educational interest.
But the point I'm trying to make is that if our motivation is always money, then our attitude will always be bitter and self-centered. The verse above says that wealth "suddenly sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven." And its true. We see in the tabloids, the news and even personally that whenever we have an abundance of wealth that we hold on too tightly to, it just seems to dwindle and disappear. It leaves us frustrated. We feel entitled because "we've worked so hard to get it!" Some may see this as a curse, but it just might be a blessing.
Jesus said "Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:25). And this is so true. We end up depending on ourselves instead of God, because we think we can buy everything we need! We forget about God, and we think only of our agendas. We toil away, no matter what it costs (relationship with God, family time, friendships, integrity) to attain that wealth. And sometimes, it can feel like it pays off, but only temporarily. Wealth goes as quickly as it comes, and you end up feeling empty inside. And there is a reason for this!
God does not want us to be independent from Him. He wants us to rely on Him, to trust Him in all circumstances, and not to see our work as just our source of income. There's more to it than that. We work with people and as Christians, we have a God-ordained purpose and burden to share the Gospel with those that don't yet know Him. God uniquely places each one of us in work environments to glorify Him. Look around your workplace. Are you surrounded by people who don't believe in Jesus? YOU could be their only source of light in the darkness of their lives. Do you work with or under someone who makes shady deals and treats customers or companies unethically? Maybe God has put you there to take a stand, make a difference and be someone who encourages and influences them positively. Has God given you a highly influential role in a company? Use it to glorify Him!
Wherever we're working, we are to work for the glory of God. We don't have to just work on staff at churches to do this – we can glorify God anywhere! God has given all of us unique talents that are specifically meant to point back to Him, the Creator of all things that are good.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31
Each day, when we get up for work, let's pray to be less selfish. Let's pray for God to lead us in everything we do. Let's pray for God would show us why we have the job we have. Let's pray that God would give us wisdom and that we would not fall in love with the ways of this world.
And a good rule of thumb: don't ever go into work without praying over the day first.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints..." - Ephesians 6:10-18
Have a great day at work!
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