WORK

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise – Proverbs 6:6

Today, we'll meditate on our Attitude to WORK. Proverbs 6 provides ample wisdom on the right attitude to work, which is a major difference between the rich and the poor. While the rich enjoy their work, the poor hate what they are doing; and the tendency is to not put in their best or bring out the best. Many are engaged in jobs from which they derive no satisfaction; working for mere survival or sustenance. The instruction “Go to the ants” was addressed to the sluggard; one who is characterised by a negative attitude to work – the hatred of work. The antidote to the sluggard attitude is this: “Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” (Eccl.9:10a). That is: Enjoy your Work!

Work is an integral part of God’s purpose for humanity; not a consequence of Adam’s fall (Gen.2:15). Today, work is like a curse for many, who labor in vain. In God’s economy, we are designed to enjoy work and be well rewarded. None of those whom God called was sitting around idle. The shepherds were tending their flocks by night when the great light shone out to announce Jesus’ birth (Lk.2:8). Moses was guarding the sheep when God called to make him Israel’s Deliverer (Exo.3:1-2). Work can be fun as you engage in it devotedly. Give every assignment your best shot and it will deliver its best results and rewards to you. God demands faithfulness in all assignments – spiritual and secular: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” 1Cor.4:2). Wisdom guarantees fruitfulness at Work. Here are some Wisdom nuggets on Work:

1. Connect to Your Divine Source: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established” (Pro.16:3). Have purpose in your work that is worthy of your best efforts: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col.3:17).
2. Discover where your strength lies: Adam was placed in Eden “to dress and to keep it” (Gen.2:15). Be diligent in your business (Pro.22:29). Know your forte: “They seem like men who lift up Axes among the thick trees” (Ps.74:5).
3. Concentrate your energies: let them be directed not diffused. Not focusing your energies on a vocation that is consistent with your purpose and potentials will lead to fruitlessness (Eccl.10:10). Direct your resources of thoughts, time, and treasures to develop your potentials.
4. Maximize Time: Life is in seasons. Everything and everyone cannot and should not be part of your time-table. Know the purpose of each person and season in your life (Eph.5:16-17).
5. Learn to listen to God in the spirit: Cultivate a discerning heart, quiet enough to transmit divine wisdom and maximize opportunities. The ability to respond promptly to the Spirit’s impulses is a most eminent skill for living (Isa.30:21; 48:17).
6. Organize your work: Be pragmatic; take time to draw up well-defined plans for specific needs. Every noble task at first looks complex and difficult. Through wisdom, however, every such task can be reduced to simple doable units (Pro.8:22-27).
7. Practice Self-renewal: organize your life to organize your work. Learn to sharpen your saw; retreat and withdraw from activities awhile for self-renewal. Let like-minded friends help refresh your spirit (Mk.6:30-31; 1Cor.16:17-18; Acts 27:3).

A committed, dependable, diligent, faithful, joyful, and loyal attitude to work is a positive testimony to your Christian faith and a powerful witness for Christ. You can be so dependable in your work setting that you become an indispensable Model of Faithfulness! At work and on your job, you must be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Mt.5:14-16).  God intends for your work to be highly rewarding. You can find fulfilment and joy in the work you do. Your work is meant to be a blessing, not a burden. In Christ you are free to really enjoy your work. Work should and can be fun!