Finding Joy in Our Work!

I came across a poll yesterday that showed approximately 68% of employees are not engaged in their jobs. To be "not-engaged" means not being “involved in, enthusiastic about or committed to one's work or workplace." But as one considers the importance of work it becomes necessary to have a better perspective of it. How can one find joy in his 9-5? Well, let’s look at work from two perspectives. First, work should be enjoyed because God created work an...d said that it was good. In Genesis chapter one God spent six days creating the world and rested one day—we work five and rest two. From God’s perspective, legitimate work reflects one of his activities.

I must admit some jobs are a drag, because I’ve had some of them, and therefore they take a little more effort to make it through the day. For these jobs here is perspective number two: first, remember the value your job brings to you and your family and be grateful for it. Your job allows you to pay the bills and put food on the table. So before you leave home this morning find something about your job to be grateful for. Second, don’t become emotionally attached to your job. What I mean is to treat your job as something you do and not who you are, and third, compensate for what your job is lacking by finding joy in other areas of your life such as beginning to exercise, rest, spend more time with family and friends. Remember our jobs are not the totality of our life!

Joy at work doesn’t necessarily mean excitement but we can find deep satisfaction as we engage in this daily activity which adds value to others. Colossians 3:23 says, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”