The United States celebrates working men and women on Labor Day. But, have you ever asked similar to King Solomon’s question in Ecclesiastes 1:3? — “What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?” — Is there more to work than that paycheck? What if its something you don’t enjoy doing? People around you may not be the easiest to work with. Perhaps you’re unappreciated and underpaid with too many expectations. You’re on a treadmill, going through the same motions day after day with little reward. It may be difficult to even think about making an eternal difference in the workplace.
Perspective Needed to See your Job Like a Mission Field, Where You Work in Ways that Count for Eternity
Jesus said, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” (Jn. 6:27). Now, Jesus wasn’t saying we should all quit our jobs and “do ministry” but rather to live for Him wherever we are and in whatever we do. It isn’t an either/or proposition. We can work for that which “endures to eternal life” in our jobs if we see the workplace as our ministry, as our mission field.
With the changing landscape of the workplace of many working remotely from home, it may be more challenging to know how to purposefully let our light shine digitally, by phone, with less people contact, or socially-distanced. Certainly, however, God is capable of giving us the wisdom we need for how to live for Him in whatever situation we might find ourselves. He promises wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5).
Power Needed to Make an Eternal Difference in the Workplace
How easy it can be to gripe and complain about our jobs or the people with whom we work. Sometimes the stress of a job, or a boss, seems unbearable. Maybe you find it difficult to put in an honest day’s work from home with all the distractions.
Both our actions and attitudes, along with our words, help determine the kind of impact we have in the workplace so it’s vital that we rise above. The Apostle Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation …” (Phil. 4:12) What was it that enabled him face hardships and persecution with grace? He continued with the answer. — “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13)
We need to take Jesus at His word when He says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5)
- We must acknowledge Him as the Source of all we need.
- We must constantly draw our Sustenance from Him.
Take a few moments for an honest assessment of whether you look to the Lord as the Source and Sustenance of all you need to make an eternal difference in the workplace.
- How do you begin your workday? … rushing around trying to get ready and out the door on time? … or, sitting at the feet of Jesus, even if for but a brief encounter (Lk. 10:38-42)?
- How do you handle the stress and frustration of the day? … flustered, fretting, and fuming? … or, casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you (1 Pet. 5:7)?
- How do you react to inconsiderate co-workers, unreasonable customers, or exasperating bosses? … annoyed, gossiping, and vindictive … or, relying on the Holy Spirit to develop within you the Christ-like traits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23)?
With God’s help, it is possible to make an eternal difference!
For More Help: Labor Day and the Workplace Ministry Resources
We are to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” 