Do you dread Mondays and live for Fridays? Work becomes so weekly, doesn’t it? There are good deadlines (like FRIDAY) and bad deadlines (like “TODAY,” the boss shouts!)
Sometimes work seems like part of God’s curse in Genesis 3. But Adam was working even before then. I hope that’s not bad news to you, because God said it was “good.”
How do I plow through my work load without losing my mind?
1. Keep Your Head Up
Like I said, God thinks work is good. In fact, Jesus said the Father is working now. Are you surprised? Check out John 5:17. And, look at what Jesus is working on right now [John 14:1-3]. Just in case you’re wondering, the Holy Spirit of God is working too [John 16:8].
God has a job for you. And, in whatever job it is – 9 to 5, night shift, parenting, retired, disabled – He wants you to show Him to others. You and I get to be the honest worker, the diligent worker, the person who can be trusted. Have His attitude [Philippians 2]; show His character [Ephesians 5:1-2]; do the work [1 Corinthians 12-13]. God knows how to honor your work [1 Corinthians 3:12-15].
You and I get to work with God and for God! Now, that’s a great work environment! So, keep your head up.
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” (Galatians 6:4)
2. Keep Your Head Down
Now, the really bad news. Since God values work so much, our enemy (yes, that’s the devil and not your boss) shows up at your workplace in an attempt to make you miserable and to influence you to lose your true focus. Remember Job in the Old Testament?
In the book, The Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan, he writes:
“The Bible likens Satan to five different animals. In Genesis 3, he’s a serpent trying to deceive God’s people; in Matthew 13, a bird trying to despoil God’s harvest. In John 10, Jesus considers him a wolf attacking God’s flock. He’s a lion trying to devour God’s children in 1 Peter 5; and in Revelation 12, he’s a dragon wanting to destroy God’s Son.”
Don’t let your enemy prey on you and eat you up. Yeah, sometimes he “roars,” but take your faith with you in whatever you do and stand in God’s mighty power [1 Peter 5:6-9; Ephesians 6:10-18]. God is your real boss, right?
3. Keep Your Heart Right
Sometimes it’s hard to keep your cool at work. But Jesus knew how to do that in the middle of a toxic environment.
“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was in insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, Who always judges fairly.” (1 Peter 2:21-23)
Don’t let anyone steal your peace [John 14:27]. Instead, trust God. He can use any situation you encounter to show His greatness [John 16:33]. Remember, He is in your workplace with you [John 15:1-16], and He is working in you [Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:12-13]. The Lord is your best friend at work.
So…
4. Keep At It
In your workplace, keep up the good work at work with diligence and faith! And, look for what God wants to do in you and for Him. That’s the best bonus you can have!
“Do the work the Lord gives you… and… work hard” (1 Corinthians 3:5,8)
Do you still want another job? No problem, there’s a lot of job switching in the Bible. The important thing: Bring the Lord Jesus into that decision too. He has given you the skills, He will give you His eyes to see the possibilities, and He will be your Boss wherever you go.
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
If you want to read more about what God says about work, check out these verses in the Bible: Romans 8:28; 12:11; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 3:22-25; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; 1 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 10:23-24.