Wisdom to Guide Our LIves - A BALANCED VIEW OF SECULAR WORK

 Solomon called the enjoyment that we can derive from our hare work "the gift of God." (Read Ecclesiastes 5:18, 19.) He wrote: "There is a benefit in every kind of hard work." (Proverbs 14:23) Solomon knew what he  was talking about.  He was a worker!  He built houses, planted vineyards, and made gardens and pools. He also built cities. (1 Kings 9:19; Ecclesiastes 2:4-6) That was  hard work, and no doubt it gave him a measure of satisfaction.  But Solomon did not rely on those activities alone to bring him happiness. He also engaged in spiritual pursuits.  For example, he supervised the construction of a glorious tempel for Jehovahy's worship.- a seven-year building project!   (1 Kings 6:38; 9:1) After sharing in all sorts of activities, both secular and spiritual, Solomon realized that spiritual activities are far more important than secular pursuits.  He wrote:  "The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the true God and keep his commandments." -  ECCLESIASTES 12:13.

Jesus was a hard worker.  In his early years on earth, he worked as a carpenter.  (Mark 6:3) No doubt his parents appreciated his help as they tried hard to provide for the needs of their large family. And as a carpenter, the perfect man Jesus must have high in demand!  Jesus very likely enjoyed his work. Yet, even while he was applying himself to his secular work, Jesus set aside timefor spiritual activities.  (John 7:15)  Later, as a full-time minister, he advised his listeners:  "Work, not for the food that perisyhes, but for the food that remains for everlasting life."  (John 6:27)  And in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:  "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." -MATTHEW 6:20.

Godly wisdom helps us to have a balanced view of our secular work.  As Christians, we are taught to do "hard work . . . , good work." (Ephesians 4:28)  Employers often notice our honesty and our industriousness, and they may tell us how mcuyh they value our work ethic. With the best of motives, we couls begin longer work hours, hoping to give our employer an even more favorable impression of Jehovah's Witnesses.  Soon, though, we might realize that we are starting to neglect our family responsibilities and theocratic activities. We need to make a change-to find our balance. 

A young brother named William has observed firsthand the value of keeping secular work in its place.  Regarding an elder who fomerly employed him, William says:  "[This brother] is a great example of someone with a balanced view of work ethic. He works hard, and he has a good  rapport with his clients  because of the quality of his work. But at the end of the day, when the job is done, he knows how to leave his work behind and focus on his family and  his worship.  And you know what? He's one of the happiest people I know!"

Next time:  Wisdom to Guide Our Lives -  A BALANCED VIEW OF OURSELVES

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