More stress doesn’t always equal a higher salary, and if you bring home the stress along with the salary, is it really worth it? If that describes you, maybe it’s time to re-think the purpose of your work.
Some statistics claim that 54% of American employees are happy with their jobs, while others claim that 83% are suffering from work-related stress.
A Different Question: Why Are You Working?
Whether the statistics are accurate or not, stress is a pervasive issue, and work is often a significant contributor. The question arises: What should you do if work-related pressure overwhelms you? Quit? Change careers? Or just grit your teeth and keep pushing through?
As believers in Christ, it's essential to step back and ask a fundamental question: Why are we working in the first place? Our desire to do productive, meaningful work is woven into our very DNA. When God created Adam and Eve, He immediately gave them work to do—naming the animals and tending the garden. However, sin has twisted work, and it’s no longer always the fulfilling task God intended. Now, work can be a source of frustration and even illness.
Colossians 3:23-24 offers the key to finding purpose and contentment in our jobs:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This scripture reminds us that no matter what job we do, we are ultimately serving God. When we shift our perspective from working for ourselves or even our employers to working for Jesus, our work gains deeper meaning and satisfaction.
The Proverbs 31 Woman: A Model of Noble Work Ethic
For a practical example of someone who worked as unto the Lord, we can look to the woman described in Proverbs 31. Though we don’t know her name, her virtue and work ethic are clearly outlined, and her actions are worth emulating.
- Eager Hands: She approaches her work with a positive attitude, understanding that diligence yields benefits.
- Provision for Family: She takes her responsibility to provide for her family seriously, even rising early to meet their needs.
- Skillful Expertise: She is wise in her business dealings and uses her skills to benefit her family and community.
- Vigorous Effort: She works with strength and determination, not idly wasting time but striving to live well.
- Generosity: Her success allows her to be generous, extending help to those in need.
- Wisdom and Teaching: Her experience enables her to teach others, and her work ethic benefits everyone around her.
- Avoiding Idleness: She does not succumb to laziness, understanding the importance of being productive.
Most importantly, the Proverbs 31 woman’s actions are driven by her reverence for the Lord: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Her success and fulfillment in work are rooted in her desire to serve God.
Trusting God with Your Work
As you navigate the stress and challenges of your job, remember the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
By trusting in God and focusing on serving Him through our work, we can find the strength and guidance needed to overcome job stress and fulfill our true purpose.
Work may sometimes feel overwhelming, but when we keep our focus on serving God, we can approach our tasks with diligence, wisdom, and generosity. Let’s strive to work as unto the Lord, knowing that He will provide the strength and direction we need to fulfill our calling.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
- My husband and I are in our mid-20s and expecting our first baby in a few months. We've been told about a 529 college savings account, and I'd like your suggestions on setting her up for future financial success. Would starting a 529 account be a good place to start, or do you have any other ideas?
- I have a testimony, a confession, and a question. My testimony: Your program inspired us to pay off $36,000 in credit card debt instead of filing for bankruptcy. My confession: We've never successfully made a budget. It gives me anxiety and past attempts have been frustrating. My question: How can I create and stick to a budget? I'm scared to try.
Resources Mentioned:
- SavingForCollege.com
- Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
- Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
- FaithFi App
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.
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