Some mornings I awake and moan over the amount of work that I have on my plate for that day.
I would rather pull the covers up under my chin and return to my blissful state of slumber. However, the smell of coffee beckons and my children call me to help them prepare their lunches. I reluctantly get out of bed and face my day. I do so grudgingly, thinking work to be a curse of life.
However, in the Bible study, An Ordinary Day With Jesus by John Ortberg, session three discusses the subject of work.
He explains that work is not a curse but a blessing. (tweet this)
Ortberg highlights the fact that even God Himself worked – He created the universe. And Jesus Himself worked as a carpenter. I, too, was made to contribute value to others in my own way. I work, because I was made in the image of God.
There are many ways to change my outlook on work and to make it feel more like a blessing than a curse.
- Before my workday starts, I can show up on time, greet my coworkers differently and most importantly I can pray. I can tell God about my feelings, ask Him to make me effective and invite Him to partner with me throughout my day.
- During my workday, I can place a symbol in my work setting, such as a single word on a piece of paper, or a favourite scripture verse. I decided to post a magnet developed by Janis Cox with the acronym S.M.I.L.E. It has a picture of a smiley face with a matching scripture verse. This reminds me that my work needs to focus on God. I recently bought a bracelet with WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) and wear it boldly. Some friends told me that they listen to Christian music and write with pens inscribed with scripture. Others post Christian decals on their cars and hum church hymns.
This Bible study suggests that at the end of my workday I can pray and ask God to help me to leave my work behind and enter fully into my home life.
Work can be a blessing if I consider how my day may be different if I do it in partnership with God.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men (Colossians 3:23 NIV).
Click here to watch and listen to this short devotional read by me