We live in a confused environment that fosters a love/hate relationship with work. The world lavishes attention on people who work hard to earn what they want in life, but we often see that the empires they spend so many years building crumble and collapse. There’s nothing wrong with working, but only if the mindset behind it is on God. True success comes when we rest in Jesus while we work.
The motivation behind what we do matters. Whatever we do, we’re encouraged to do it heartily, as to God and not to men. Paul exhorted the Ephesians to labor doing work with their hands, so they would have something to share with those in need. Minding our own business and working with our hands is pleasing to God.
On its own, there’s no profit in laboring under the sun. It’s all vanity; one generation passes away and another one comes. We accomplish far less laboring in our own works with fretful, anxious minds than if we rested in God’s grace and let Him do the work. Too many people worry constantly because of the pressure to perform; grace is available to everyone, and there’s no rest without it.
For those who don’t know God, fear of the future is widespread. No one knows what’s going to happen tomorrow; this causes stress for many people. Turning over all our tomorrows to God and embracing an attitude of “I’ll do whatever He directs me to do” empowers us for success. It’s not up to us to direct our own steps in life.
God wants to work in us, through us, and for us. When we’re tired, worn out, and burned out on religion, Jesus wants to show us how to take a real rest. He wants to teach us the unforced rhythms of grace, so that we can live freely and lightly. Whatever work is involved in trusting Him is well worth the effort.
Prayer:
Lord, You want to be involved in all our daily work activities. This requires setting aside all fear, anxiety, and worry, and simply resting in You. Thank You for caring enough to show us how to do this through Your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scriptures:
Colossians 3:23
Ephesians 4:28
1 Thessalonians 4:11, NKJV
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 3
James 4:14, 15
Jeremiah 10:23
Matthew 11:28-30, MSG