Love What You Do

Today's post comes from a verse in Ecclesiastes. Now before you think we're about to get all doom and gloom, just hear me out. This has been one of the most encouraging scriptures to me over the last few weeks.

"There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw is from the hand of God." - Ecclesiastes 2:24

Ecclesiastes tends to get a bad reputation for being the "everything is meaningless" book of the Bible, but upon reading it through recently, I found a lot of beauty in it. The sentiment in this verse is repeated five times throughout the book. Now, if you didn't already know, when something is repeated in the Bible, that means it's really important.

The speaker in Ecclesiastes is a teacher or preacher, trying to impart wisdom to his listeners. he carefully analyzes every aspect of life that he knows and consistently comes back to this one conclusion: Nothing is better than enjoying the work you've been given to do (my paraphrase).

He even makes the claim that this is from the hand of God Himself. Scripture confirms such a claim in Genesis. Adam and Eve had jobs BEFORE the fall. That means to work was a perfect gift from God, untainted by the sin and evil that entered the world soon after.

How many of us just grumble and complain through every job, dragging our feet through household chores, and dreading the arrival of Monday when we have to get up and go to work again? That spirit of negativity is the enemy trying to steal this good gift from our God, designed to bring Him glory and make us flourish.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men." - Colossians 3:17

"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." - Colossians 3:23

As Kyndra talked about this morning, the posture of our hearts determines the value of our sacrifice. Our work is just one of the ways we get to be a living sacrifice to our God and Savior. Why would we want to give God a sacrifice that's full of complaining and given begrudgingly?

Church, let us look at our work through a Kingdom lens. Whether you work 9 to 5, night shift, as a homemaker, or something in between, find joy in your toil and receive this gift from the Lord.

This doesn't mean that you have to be working your dream job either. You can find joy in the most mundane, monotonous task. I recently met a housekeeper with a Master's Degree who was more joyful than most people I encounter throughout my day.

I challenge you to go into work tomorrow and refuse to complain. Stand up against the negativity. Speak life where others are speaking death. Look for something to be joyful about in every part of your day and see if God doesn't change the atmosphere of your workplace.

Who knows, He may even open the door of salvation to one of your co-workers through your obedience. And how much better to open the door for the Holy Spirit to move instead of opening the door for the enemy to attack! (If you're lost, go listen to Kyndra's sermon again)

Find joy in your work because it's your contribution to the Kingdom of God, and He has a gift waiting for you in it when you do.