To some, Work is a four letter word. Usually, when things follow a predictable routine, and you can plan ahead, work for me is not bad. This past week, I was working to try to get some house repair projects finished up, and I ran into some unexpected complications that demanded more days to correct than I had expected. Needless to say, I was not able to meet my deadline and this impacted other work and family things which were planned, then canceled. When doing work makes more work and productivity suffers, it is not fun, but having a proper perspective and a right mindset can help you persevere through most any obstacle. What is your attitude toward the work before you today?
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23
Honestly, I enjoy my normal full-time job 90 percent of the time. There are no perfect jobs, but there are usually things you can find to like about most every job, if you look long enough. As long as you are not putting your or other’s life and health in danger, you should give yourself a little time to adjust to a new job. Work ethics develop at a young age, as I remember wanting to help my father on the farm long before I was really much help, and eventually allowed to walk beans. I encourage all young people who are starting to work to try a variety of jobs if they are able. One Summer, when in High School, I signed up with a local work-placement organization who would call me when someone needed help with a project for a day or two. I spent one day moving furniture, one day doing construction on a farm building, and another day riding all around Iowa picking up unused seed corn. You can learn something from most every job you encounter, even if it is that you never want to do that job again. Are there any jobs you feel are ‘beneath’ you and you are unwilling to do…Why is that?
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10
At times, we may be critical of people who are panhandling, walking the streets, or not working – by our definition. I know some people who have a disability, but still hustle and work several odd jobs to provide a meager income. Not all disabilities are always visible. I know several others who are fairly able bodied and minded, who are on disability or seek to be, so they don’t have to work at what they have been doing. We don’t always know the whole story. I do think it is important to give people an opportunity to show what they are capable of doing and even if they make mistakes, to allow them some room to learn new skills required for a job. Not everyone is fit for every job, but they should at least be given a chance to succeed or fail, just like others have done for you.
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
So, what is your attitude toward the work set before you today? If your job is something you dread each day, you are doing it wrong! We all have God given gifts and abilities that we can use for something good. We may not always fully utilize them in every job we do, but we should make the most of every opportunity to do the best we can. Even if you feel ‘stuck’ in your current place of employment, without much opportunity for advancement or other job prospects, you should still do your best work and focus on the things that you enjoy about it. There is not ‘perfect’ job and the grass often seems greener on the other side till you get there are realize it is not. So, learn to do your job as best you can, at least until an opportunity for something that may be a better fit comes along. Remember, you are not just working for a boss, you are working for The Boss from now to the day you die, so get used to it and enjoy the work set before you!
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23
Yours in Christ,
Clark
