John Frainee is a personal finance writer at The Christian Dollar. His goal is to provide biblical financial principles that encourage people to live healthier lives.
At the mention of work, some cringe. You may picture yourself arising early on a Monday morning only to drag yourself to another monotonous day at the widget factory. Work is sometimes painful, for sure. But what if we were able to change our perspective on this activity that occupies so much of our time? Is that possible?
I remember my first day as a new-hire. Reaching into a sink full of sickening chunks of food to unclog the drain, I questioned my first job choice as a dishwasher. This wasnʼt for me. Was this really going to be my eternal existence?
You probably have a similar story. Remember that job years ago that you just hated? Maybe you had a manager you loathed. Perhaps it was the atmosphere that weighed you down. There was something that pushed you to find another job, one that treated you better.
Learning to enjoy my job
After job-hopping for several years, I finally recognized that my dissatisfaction with work was not so much an external struggle, but an internal one. This pushed me to realize that I needed a fresh perspective on work. I found that my anguish was more of an attitude that I held rather than a condition of my employment.
Opening the Bible, I found an interesting verse regarding the original intention of work:
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” -Genesis 2:15 NIV
Whenever I read this verse in the past, I didnʼt think there was much to be gained from it. But then when I compared my previous viewpoint of work (being difficult, trying, and depressing) with the passage, something leaped off the page at me: Adam was put to work by God in THE GARDEN OF EDEN!
Wow. Here God created a perfect world, flawless in its design, and yet required that humanity would work in it! Can you imagine working in a perfect environment? This work must have been enjoyable in the pristine world. Did I just say work and enjoyable in the same sentence? I think I did!
The fresh perspective found here is that work was originally designed to be enjoyable! Today, in our fallen world, we have to make the choice to enjoy our work. Just like we have a choice to do good or evil, we have a choice to view our work as pleasant or dreadful.
Now you may be thinking, “Oh, not me John. You have no idea how painful my job is.” Maybe so. But isnʼt it worth considering that our attitude and viewpoint on work changes our mood? I think it is.
Iʼm not suggesting that if you hate your job you stick with it. What Iʼm pointing out here is that we have the choice to be content in our current circumstance.
Another idea that helps me enjoy work is that it is a part of my life. Too many people compartmentalize their home life from their work life. Try blending the concept of work with the concept of living. Itʼs life-work!
Are you prepared for a fresh perspective on work? It starts with you transforming your mind. It starts when you decide that work is life. Be creative with your work. Seize the opportunity to influence others with Godʼs love. The Lord is calling us to work as he designed us to work. Are you ready?
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” -Colossians 3:23 NIV
Do you have any other tips for learning how to enjoy your work?
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Interestingly… my first job was a dishwasher.. i was in school and i knew i was doing it for money. I got nominated for the employee of the year two years in a row. I didn’t like the job.. always sweating but i did it smiling (hard to believe it now)
I think as a christian embracing the steward mentality.. give you the strength to do it anyway. On the flipside it is easy to burn out; so an escape strategy should be cooking in the pot.
Another point I’ve heard pointed out in sermons is that not only did God put Adam to work in the Garden of Eden, but this was done BEFORE the fall of man. Lots of people think that work is a curse that is a result of the fall. But it’s not.
I think that work should be viewed as a GOOD thing. If we discover how we’ve been gifted and what talents we’ve been blessed with, and use them to serve God and our fellow man, then work should end up being a lot more enjoyable. I agree that too many people compartmentalize their work life and their personal life. People should think about what their life’s work or mission is. This would probably help them view their jobs as an avenue to fulfill that mission.
I think you’re right Joseph, having an escape strategy is something that needs to be in place if you can’t stand your job. Other times, the Lord sometimes pushes us to explore other occupations, even if we’re scared to do so.
Thanks to Bob for posting my article today! You rock sir!
Darren, that’s a great point. “Work” in the general sense is not a part of the fall. It’s a blessing to be able to do what God has called us to do using the skills entrusted to us!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve viewed an ordinary job as something that can help me fulfill my life’s mission. Isn’t it refreshing to view ordinary work in that light?
I firmly believe that Christians cannot truly be happy unless if they are doing what God wants them to do, the way the God wants them to do it. God rewards obedience, but He doesn’t reward disobedience. I think the most familiar example of this is Jonas. Whenever I am discouraged with my job, where I am in life I remember that I need to keep listening for God’s leading. Often when I’m tempted to complain I’ll think about a certain passage of Scripture or a verse that lifts me up because I know its only a matter of time before God is going to use me for something great, His glory.
Thanks for the post!
Shirley, I completely agree that Christians cannot truly be happy unless they are doing what God wants them to do. I think the Holy Spirit drives us to do those things, the things that fulfill our life mission.
God is definitely using you for his glory Shirley. Keep on shining! We all can honor God in the midst of any job or situation.
I need an article on how to deal with difficult bosses. I’m sure I am not the only one that needs it.
I agree that we are made to work; I’m happiest after a day of productive activities.
I also think that those beginning jobs (as one who also started out as a dish-washer) help us to remain humble later. As I go back to restaurants to eat, I remember what it was like to be in the waiter’s shoes, or the bus boy’s… and I’m more generous with my tip, more patient, etc.
Great post. It is thought provoking. I struggle everyday with a job that I hate. Until recently my walk with Christ has been luke warm. Now that I am walking closer to God I find it easier to wait on His plan. It is not easy. I’m in the process of praying for a great opportunity. I would appreciate all the prayers I can get. I had to approach God with the prayer that if it works out great and if it doesn’t work out that is great too. Inserting my time line in to God’s only frustrates things even more. I’m a big believer in stewarding work as well. If you go to work and come home upset all the time there is not fruit of the Spirit coming out of you. I suggest being on your knees praying hard for God to open a door of opportunity or show you why you are where you are. Thanks for the great post.
Boy if this wasn’t right on time! Thanks for the inspiration.
Great read John. Everything in life is about a choice. You have to make the best of your situation and if it’s not working then make a change.
I loved this post! My first job was in a nursing home, serving residents meals and doing clean up – and lots of dishes!!! I have been so blessed to have jobs that I enjoyed doing, whether or not I enjoyed my surroundings…a.k.a. people, attitudes, etc., but I have always taken to heart the verse in Colossians 3:23 to do everything as unto the Lord = do my best. My goal in life is to bring honor to God @ work, whether dishwashing, answering a phone, or running a meeting. My attitude and work ethic show honor to the Lord. And when he shows me favor in return, man notices. I’ve been blessed with promotions and bonuses in my 12 year career as an Administrative Assistant.
And, get this, we recently made some changes at my office – downsizing from a full service cafeteria to just coffee service. We had some left over dishes that did not get washed by our foodservice person, so guess who ran the dishwasher!? Me! Brought back a lot of memories and I was thankful for the experience when I was in high school because it sure came in handy!
You jut never know…
Arthur, that’s a great topic idea. I’ll add it to my list of To-Do’s.
Matthew, I agree. Beginning jobs really do put everything in perspective for the rest of our lives. I was eating in a restaurant recently and had the exact same thoughts.
@conqueringpf, hang in there. It is during those times when we are on our knees that God can really do amazing things in our lives. Your desperation will lead you to greatness.
MD, glad you were inspired! It pleases me that it was timely for you.
Holly, your work ethic and positive attitude will get you far. As I’m sure you already know, these two qualities are some of the most attractive attributes to employers. Your desire to serve the Lord will serve you well. Keep God the focus! You’re doing a great job!
John,
Thank you for a fresh perspective on work! I was laying in bed this morning thinking, “I need to call in sick, I can’t possibly face the day today.” Your blog inspired me! I will work today as if I am working for the Lord!
Thank you!
Thanks for the great post. Good advice! Work day to day can be extremely difficult. Is the answer to enjoy what you do or do what you enjoy? It’s tough. Thanks for you insight though.