Day 51 - Issue 37
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READ: Proverbs 13.11 NLT
'Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.'
Oscar Wilde wrote, ”The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one.” That seems to summarise a lot of people’s thinking about work. Work is seen as something bad which needs to be avoided if at all possible, and if it can’t be avoided immediately then one should aim to retire as early as possible. This thinking is in complete contrast with Proverbs where work is seen as something inherently good. It is worklessness and laziness which are to be avoided at all costs.
It is interesting that the writer of Proverbs refers to get-rich-quick schemes. This all sounds very modern, but the fact is that throughout the whole of history people have wanted to find shortcuts to wealth. There’s nothing new about laziness! God wants us to work hard because it not only provides for our needs and those around us, but also enables us to bless other people with the gifts that God has given us. We have all been given the ability to enhance the lives of people around us, and God looks to us to work hard at doing so. The apostle Paul wrote, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Over the years I have been particularly blessed by the way I have seen retired people working hard for God. At a time when they had no pressure upon them to earn money, they wanted to make sure that they were still being productive for God. I have been inspired by their example. Working hard is good at any time of life, but it needs to be added working too hard is never what God intends. Overwork causes tension and pressure that is never God’s desire. Whatever our age we need to find a balance between the work that God calls us to do and times of leisure and refreshment which allow us to continue to serve him with confidence and enthusiasm. I’m sure Oscar Wilde was wrong! The best way to appreciate your job is in fact to do it with all your heart and to thank God for it.
QUESTIONS: How well are you balancing your work and leisure?
PRAYER: Loving God, thank you for the blessing of work. I pray your blessing on those who struggle to find work, or who find their work difficult. Amen
Released on 21 May 2021
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