I have a friend who had been unhappy at work. He told me that no matter how hard he tried, his boss was completely unreasonable. Ultimately, he was fired. An acquaintance who knows both my friend and his boss told me he feels that it was my friend’s issues that led to his dismissal. So what’s the truth? My guess is that it’s a mixture of the two viewpoints. But here’s one thing we can know without question: Being unhappy in one’s work can lead to some sad results.
How’s your job going? Do you see it as a sacred vocation, or have you lost all motivation? Solomon, in Proverbs, presents some practical, inspiring wisdom that can help you do your work well and enjoy it better:
• Take wise steps—Moping or simply getting mad will not help your situation. Seek God in prayer and apply the principles of His Word to what you’re experiencing on the job—choosing to do the right thing as His wise child (Proverbs 10:1-2.)
• Trust God for the results—God knows your needs and He promises to provide just what you need (Proverbs 10:3; Matthew 6:31-33). Seek His kingdom as you trust Him with your job and its future.
• Truly do the work—Lazy and irresponsible behavior will not be rewarded. Instead, follow the instruction of the apostle Paul and “work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).
Yes, our ultimate “boss,” our highest Master, is Jesus Himself. As we make it our aim to glorify Him in our work, contentment and joy will follow.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Jude 1:17-25
More:
Read Proverbs 14:23 and note the importance of doing the work and not just talking a good game.
Next:
How does your attitude need to change so that you can truly do your work to God’s glory? Why is it true that all work is sacred?
Koopsters on December 28, 2012 at 6:46 am
That’s exactly what I needed to hear! For a year now I’ve been discontent at my job, because three of us workers have been thrown from day shift into full time nights. This has left us with a bad taste in our mouths about our job. In the big picture, it’s not about me
tom felten on December 28, 2012 at 10:54 pm
Koopsters, thanks for sharing. It’s amazing what God can do through us even as we work in the most mundane or difficult jobs. May He use you to inspire others to recognize who He is and who they can be in Jesus!
mike on December 28, 2012 at 7:59 am
What wise counsel, thank you.
I view my work as my ministry and stand amazed that when I focus my energy and activities properly how God allows me the privilege to reach into the lives of those around me.
What a blessing to be a child of the King!!
tom felten on December 28, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Love that idea . . . “work as my ministry.” Truly, all of our lives should be worship and ministry poured out for Christ!.
jcchan on December 28, 2012 at 5:47 pm
I lost my job 2 years ago, and i really love that job. And now I landed to a new work place but felling discontented and little bit unhappy because of lower compensation.But instead of keep on complaining, I just surrender it to God and pray to give me the heart to love my new job. And yes Glory to God that he answers my prayer. And because of God’s grace and my performance I was promoted and now receiving higher compensation than my previous job. All Glory and Honor belong to Him.
tom felten on December 28, 2012 at 10:56 pm
jcchan, thanks so much for sharing. What a powerful testimony to a surrendered life in Jesus. I’m sure He is glorified in your work for Him!
dossk on December 28, 2012 at 8:34 pm
Dear Tom, Thanks for this timely post. In my country, there is no devotion to duty. Worst still among sacred work places. 40% is devoted to personal work and 60% is devoted to office work on any given day. The reason, “low salary”. The surprising thing is no one is fired in Christian circles. This ‘cancer’ grows day by day in Christian Institutions.
tom felten on December 28, 2012 at 11:00 pm
This is so so sad, dossk. When we take our eyes off Jesus and don’t do our work to His glory (Colossians 3:23-24), sinful, selfish ideas and practices will infect us. May revival touch the hearts and minds of Christians everywhere who do not see their labor as a sacred offering that should be done with excellence before God.