THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/WORK

Does it matter what kind of work you do?

WHAT SOME PEOPLE SAY If the pay is good, the work is good. That thinking, combined with the lure of easy money, has led some people to engage in dishonest business practices and even to take on employment that is illegal. 

Others, fed with the 'follow your dream' and do what you love' philosophies, will accept only work that is constantly stimulating.  If their job is not their "calling" in life or if it gives them anything less than an adrenaline rush, they consider it boring. As a result, they have a negative view of their work and exert only enough initiative to get by.  They may even turn down good job opportunities because they feel that the work involved is beneath their dignity. 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS   The Bible does not approve of work that is dishonest or that contributes to harming people in any way.  (Leviticus 19:11,13; Romans 13:10)  Good work benefits others and helps the worker "maintain a good conscience." -1 Peter 3:16.

The Bible also teaches that work serves a noble purpose-not primarily to give self-fulfillment but to make a living and support one's family . While it is certainly  not wrong to enjoy our secular work, it should be a means to an end-not an end in itself.

True, inflation and rising prices can make us anxious about how we will make ends meet, but the Bible emphasizes moderation.  It states:  "Having food and clothing, we will be content with these things." (1 Timothy 6:8)  Those words  do not require that we become ascetics. But we should be realistic about what we can afford and be reasonable about the number of possessions we acquire. -Luke 12:15. 

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU  Be industrious at your work. Take a real interest in it. Even if what you so seem menial or is not the type of work you feel you were born for, endeavor to become skillful at it. Industrious work leads to  a sense of accomplishment, and developing you skill might actually increase your  job satisfaction. 

At the same time, be balanced. Enjoy occasional rest and relaxation. These periods are even more enjoyable  after we have worked diligently. Also, by earning our necessities, we build a sense of self-worth and win the respect of others-including our family. -2 Thessalonians 3:12. 

Next time: DO YOU NEED MORE TIME? 

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015