HOW TO ENJOY HARD WORK

FOCUS ON HOW YOUR WORK BENEFITS OTHERS

Avoid the trap of thinking only about how much money you are earning. Rather, ask yourself such questions as these: 'Why is this job necessary? What would happen if it wasn't done-or it wasn't done right?  How does my work benefit others?  

That last question is especially good to think about, for work is most satisfying when we see how it benefits people. Jesus himself said:  "There is more to happiness in giving than there is in receiving." (Acts 20:35)  In addition to those who benefit directly from our services-such as customers and employers-there are others who benefit from our hard work. These include members of our household and those in need. 

Members of our household

When a family head works hard to provide for members of his household, he benefits them in at least two ways. First, he makes sure that they have the physical necessities of life-food, clothing, and shelter. He thus fulfills his God-given responsibility to "provide for those who are his own." (1 Timothy  5:8) Second, a diligent breadwinner teaches by example the importance of hard work.  "My father is a great example of someone who has a great work ethic," says Shane, quoted in the preceding article.  "He is an honest man who has worked hard  his whole life, the majority of it as a carpenter. From his example, I've learned the value of working with your hands, building things that will have practical use for other people." 

Those in need

The apostle Paul advised Christians to "do hard work . . .so that [they] may have something to share  with someone in need." (Ephesians 4:28) Indeed, when we work hard to provide for ourselves and our family, we may also be in a position to help those who are less fortunate.  (Proverbs 3:27)  So hard work can enable us to experience the greater happiness of giving.

Next time: HOW TO ENJOY  HARD WORK - GO THE EXTRA MILE

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015