Recent surveys indicate unprecedented dissatisfaction with work.
As many as 80 percent of employees at any given time are looking for a new job.
Why? Maybe they need more money, or perhaps they don’t like the location, their coworkers, or their bosses.
For most, however, the discontent isn’t a matter of location or benefits. It is a matter of meaning. If we don’t find meaning in our jobs, we find motivation difficult.
Lack of motivation gets us behind in our work, which leads to stress, which leads to less motivation. It’s a vicious cycle.
God created work.
Somehow, we got the impression that it’s a result of Adam and Eve’s sin, but God had the couple tending the Garden of Eden long before they were tempted and cast out. Work became more difficult, but work had already been ordained.
God means for his people to be productive and to enjoy the fruits of their labor. He wants us to be content in what we do, whether it’s at home with children, in an office with coworkers, or elsewhere.
Even when we know God’s plan, we often miss out on His ultimate purposes.
The surveys that indicate massive job dissatisfaction invariably have Christians among their respondents. Believers can be as dissatisfied as the secular world.
How can we be more content in our work? There are two simple steps to meaningful labor.
(1) Ephesians tells us to work “as if you were serving the Lord, not men” (6:7). If we who love Jesus have it firmly fixed in our minds that our labor somehow honors Him, we will be more interested in our labor.
(2) We can pray. It’s acceptable to pray for a new job or role, but it’s even better to ask God to build meaning into your current work until His timing for something new is right. He can show you how your work relationships honor Him, or how your godly service reflects His character. That sort of satisfaction is a gift God longs to give.
by Chris Tiegreen
I too had a job I loved. Sadly it was cut way too short. Chancellor grew very hard to get along with his last year before his retirement. Four good years, then a final one year of relentless antagonizing.
Thought I could outlast him but he chose to dispose of me 40 working days before he left. Now I put my full faith in the Trinity to guide my next steps.
I have no fear of him reading this as he is not a Christian man. I still pray the Holy Spirit speaks to his heart to turn his future around to avoid his final damnation.
In Jesus’ name I say this prayer.
I have moved overseas for greener pasture. I studied Accounting but just find it difficult to find an accounting role. Our residency also got declined because my current job doesnt match my degree. BUT I thank the Lord that He sustains us and He gave me a Manager that is willing to help despite the arduous and laborious steps to undertake to prove immigration. I am currently pregnant and due to give birth soon. Have passed a phone interview and will proceed with a personal interview. Praying that the date of the interview will be after I gave birth. Still my heart is thankful for all the providence and the blessings that GOD has provided. It built my character and realized that I have to trust Him and Him alone and lean not on my own understanding.
I pray God honors your prayers, continue to sustain you, successfully carry you to a full term, and reward your faithful/grateful heart in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen! I am Accounting major also & can relate with your situation, but God is Sovereign & Supreme!! ..so continuing in faith.
I had the job I loved in marketing & advertising. I really enjoyed what I did until the door got closed from corporate issues. I struggle with where I really belong now. With what God has planned for my life. I am now 64 & not ready to retire. I am trying to start my own company selling Manufactured & Modular Homes. My bills are piling up and struggle to pay my rent. I pray constantly for God to help me and show me what he wants me to do.
Please pray for open doors for me.
I have never gone through this kind of pressure or trial before. I thank God my children are all grown.
God Bless your ministry.