ENJOYING OUR WORK

It is right and just that we should enjoy our work.


"So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?" (Ecclesiastes 3:22 NIV)


Work is one way for us to honor God. Through our labor, we not only provide for ourselves and our families but also contribute to the common good, reflecting God’s creative work in the world.


RESTING FROM WORK
In the very beginning, God set an example of work and rest, establishing a pattern for us to follow.


"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day, he rested from all his work." (Genesis 2:2 NIV)


Taking time to rest, and do other things besides work is equally important. Otherwise, work can become an idol that we worship, and we can define ourselves by the work that we do, instead of who we are in Christ – children of God.


Work is a thing we do. It is not who we are. Resting from work helps us to remember that.


OUR WORK IS WORSHIP
As Christ-followers, we have a choice. We can glorify our flesh and work in our strength and for our glory, or we can glorify the Holy Spirit and work in Christ’s strength and for God’s glory.


“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV).


This perspective transforms our work from a daily grind to an act of worship. When we dedicate our work to God, we find deeper satisfaction and purpose in what we do, regardless of our occupation. The Apostle Paul encourages us to adopt this mindset in all areas of life, reminding us that our ultimate reward comes from the Lord.


WORK EMPOWERED BY CHRIST
Recognizing that our work serves a greater purpose helps us to navigate work challenges and persevere through difficult times at work. The Scriptures offer comfort and encouragement, reminding us that God is with us in our labor. We can work in our strength or work with the strength of Christ. It’s infinitely better if our work is empowered by Christ!


“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NIV).


By surrendering to Christ in our work, we allow God to do the work through us and guide us in all things related to our work. Therefore, it becomes easy to give Christ the credit, glory, and honor for the good things He does through us.


ALL MUST WORK
Everyone is called to do some form of work. Those who try to avoid work will suffer negative consequences. The wisdom of Proverbs highlights the value of diligent work and its rewards, contrasting it with the pitfalls of laziness.


“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” (Proverbs 10:4 NIV)


There is a balance all Christ-followers must attain, which we can call a “Healthy Work Ethic.” Keep work in balance with the rest of life. Don’t use work to build an idol, but rather use it as an act of worship. Don’t let it consume you, and engage in periods of rest as God has modeled this behavior. And avoid being lazy because those who don’t embrace work as a spiritual endeavor miss a great opportunity to bring praise and glory to Christ Jesus our Lord.


CONCLUSION
Our work is much more than a means to an end; it is an opportunity to worship God, serve others, and participate in God’s creative order. By embracing our work as a form of worship, we align ourselves with God’s purposes, finding joy and satisfaction in our labor.


“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)


Let us, therefore, approach our work with a heart of worship, seeking to glorify God in all that we do. For in doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth.


Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. 
February 12, 2024
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.