Bible Passage: “This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink, and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
It’s all too easy to see a man’s work only in light of the Curse of Genesis 3 (v.17-19) and to forget that the original Creation account of Genesis 2 also mentions work (Genesis 2:15).
Everything changed when Adam and Eve shared the flesh of the forbidden fruit. The work that was meant to bring life would now be frustrating, difficult, and inefficient.
True, work before that Ill-fated snack was not toil.
The Teacher in Ecclesiastes does acknowledge the reality of our “toilsome labor.” We do not just work—we bend our backs, stoop and strain in the effort to provide for ourselves and our families.
How often have you thought of the sacrifices you would make to provide for yourself and those who depend on you? As fathers and husbands, we may lay aside our career ambitions to do what is best for our families. Sometimes, as sons, we do this for the parents who sacrificed before us.
Work can so often seem simply like toil, a worn path around the mill that wears ever deeper as we push our stone around its never-ending circle.
However, the Teacher invites men to look from a different perspective.
He calls us to celebrate in the everyday realities of our work.
Men, even with bosses who may not lead well, can lead through our service.
When we are asked to do something beyond (or, Heaven forbid, below) our job description, we can be grateful that we have proven our value and been tasked with another responsibility.
When the opportunity for promotion, a raise, or recognition arises, we can celebrate the gifts God has given us that allow us to see this possibility.
Choosing to express joy and gratitude in the ordinary circumstances of our lives allows us to serve with excitement instead of grumbling, to face challenges with patience instead of exhaustion, to encourage those around us to succeed instead of staring with jealousy, and to lead with courage instead of deflecting responsibility.
We find what we look for. If we are looking for negative things, we will certainly be able to find them. But if we choose joy and gratitude, we will see more than just the silver lining; we will see the sun still shining behind the clouds.
Looking for what we can celebrate in all situations (including our work) lets us see the goodness of God all around us.
Prayer: God who gave us the Garden to work and to keep, thank You for the gift of my work, both my job and the roles You have called me into in my life. Forgive me for the times I have viewed them with disdain and ingratitude. Help me to enjoy and to celebrate the work my hands, head, and heart find to do. Amen.
Reflection: Do you view work as a burden or as a gift from God to be enjoyed and celebrated? How might you find moments to celebrate while working today?
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