Some statistics claim that 54 percent of American employees are happy with their jobs. Then again, apparently, 83 percent of us are suffering from work-related stress.  

So, what does all this mean for you?  If work-related pressure is getting you down, what do you do? Quit? Re-train and change jobs? Grit your teeth and keep going?

We suggest you step back and ask a different question: As a believer in Christ, why are you working in the first place?

The desire to do productive, meaningful work is in our D-N-A.  In fact, when God created Adam and Eve, He immediately set them to work naming the animals and tending their beautiful garden.  

Unfortunately, along with everything else, work was twisted by sin after the Fall.  Now, instead of always being productive and satisfying the way God intended, work can literally make us sick.

In Colossians 3: 23 and 24, we see the key to rediscovering meaningful work: 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Serving God in your work, whether your job is secular or not, is the key to contentment on the job.  The verse says “whatever you do”, so it’s not the work itself that matters, it’s the boss.  And if you’re a Christian, your boss is Jesus - not you, and not even your employer.

Here’s an example of someone who did her job as unto the Lord.

We don’t know her name, but her virtues are outlined in Chapter 31 of Proverbs. She’s referred to as “A wife of noble character”, but her actions and attitudes are worth studying and imitating, no matter who you are.

One characteristic of this Bible hero that stands out to me is what we might call her work ethic. Here are some of the phrases that describe this woman of “noble character”.  You can ask yourself: Does this describe me, too?

“She works with eager hands…” A person of noble character has a positive attitude towards work, knowing that diligence can produce many benefits.

“She gets up while it is still dark, she provides food for her family…” The Bible makes it clear that providing for your family is a primary responsibility. She takes it very seriously.

“She considers a field and buys it…out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.” Part of the biblical work ethic involves expertise – gaining useful skills and using them for the benefit of your family and community.

“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks” This hero is aware that living well requires strength and determination.  You don’t get there sitting on the couch watching YouTube.

“She opens her arms to the poor” This woman of character is so successful in her work…that she is able to be generous with her surplus.  Are you working just for yourself, or so you can help others also?

She speaks with wisdom…”  A person of noble character develops enough experience to teach others.  Her work ethic is the water that raises all boats, because everyone benefits from her industry.

“She does not eat the bread of idleness”.  It’s pretty clear that a biblical work ethic means NOT being lazy.

The most important quality of the woman of noble character is that she follows and honors the Lord: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”.  Everything she does comes from a desire to serve God, and all of her success springs from this priority.

We can learn a lot from the Proverbs 31 woman about working as unto the Lord. We encourage you to read through Proverbs 31 and make it a point to follow her example!

Finally, as you consider your own job stresses, remember Proverbs 3: 5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
 

On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions: 

• What recourse do you have if you buy a used vehicle and it turns out to be a lemon? 
• How do you go about redeeming bonds of a deceased parent? 
• Does it make sense to take money out of investments to pay off a vehicle? 
• Can you provide suggestions for rebuilding my savings, considering my retirement situation and the funds I've used for home repairs, taxes, and my current financial status?
   

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.