Even the best job can become tedious when performed day after day. Boredom, frustration and burnout happen to everyone from time to time, but Christians are blessed to have an invaluable resource to combat this: the Bible. The following are five Scripture verses to turn to in times of difficulty at work. Keep a copy of your favorites in your desk drawer or use as a screen saver for your work computer or smartphone.
John 5:17
“But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.’”
It’s easy to forget that Jesus and his Father worked. Of course, Jesus was a carpenter and toiled for decades in rather difficult and strenuous work. Furthermore, Genesis 2:2 tells us that on the seventh day the Father rested “from all the work he had done in creation.” Work is important to both God and mankind. When you pray about difficulty in work, you are praying to a God who understands.
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Work can be easier and more rewarding if you look at it from the perspective of the work of the Lord. We are each called to a unique vocation on earth, and we are serving both God and our neighbor in some way at work. We are told that our work, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is not in vain. Pray to ask for guidance as to how your daily work is instrumental to God’s plan for you.
Phillipians 2:14-15
“Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world.”
Just imagine how much better the world would be if no one grumbled or complained at work! A tall order, but when you are tempted to be negative, recall this verse. Think how your co-workers will look up to and respect you if you maintain a positive and cheerful attitude. Not only that, but such an outlook can be contagious, truly making you to be a light in the world.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Your job will certainly be easier and more rewarding if you imagine your customers and co-workers as Christ Himself. By putting your heart and soul into your work, you are, in a sense, imitating Christ as you serve Him and others. Our ultimate inheritance is eternal life in heaven, a goal to keep in mind each day.
Genesis 2:15
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”
Note well that this verse describes life in Eden before the Fall. Adam and Even were asked to work in Paradise! Imagine the joy that work must have brought to them. Now envision doing your job in Paradise and try to apply that sense of joy to your daily work.
Source: beliefnet.com
