Rejoice in Your Work / Micheal Richers

As we tend to get bogged down in the day to day life, and sometimes even think we are overburdened with all of the things we are a part of (classes, organizations, work, etc.). Sticking with this mindset, we can allow ourselves to be in a rut of thinking that there isn’t anything good coming from this. Ecclesiastes 3:22 “I have seen that there is nothing better than for a person to enjoy his activities because that is his reward. For who can enable him to see what will happen after he dies?” changes this whole perspective reminding us that we should rejoice in our works, for even though we may never see the good from it, it is our responsibility that has been given to us not only to just do but doing it with joy. Paul even goes further with this in his letter to the Philippians 1:21-26 “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ--- which is far better--- but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.” although he knows that being with Christ would be far better for him, he remains because it is necessary for the people that they grow with joy in the faith. So how do we do this? 

Well for me it starts with the little things, no matter how small the task if we do it with joy it becomes much easier. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” is a big anchor on this idea. whatever we do includes the smallest details which can lead to the biggest impacts. Do the little things well and big things will come!!

Secondly, we can not be complainers. Complaining takes all the fun out of tasks and makes it work. It becomes a burden and we continuously try to put it off. Philippians 2:14-18 “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.”  instills this idea that we will be blameless and will find joy if we do things without complaint. grumbling makes everything more laborious and not worth the effort in our eyes, distracting us from the benefits of it all, so if we can stop complaining we can enjoy the results even more

Finally, in such a crazy time we have to remind ourselves “why?” a simple three letter word that keeps me focused on the good that is happening and the purpose of what we do. As small and vague of a question it is, sometimes this is all it takes to get ourselves back on track in order to pursue Christ wholeheartedly and to continue to work joyfully despite the situation. This is what drives us towards our goals and is the foundation for everything that we do. Our “why” is our passion behind our major/job, and without a driving force behind us we will likely get caught up in the mess easier. Use your “why” to stay grounded and focused in whatever you do.

So all together we must find joy in our responsibilities by doing the little things well without complaining, and if we ever get stuck, go back to your WHY.