On the Job

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful
with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.
Come and share your master's happiness!'

-- Matthew 25:23

  

Forbes.com recently featured The Happiest Jobs in America--a comprehensive list based on the analyses of more than 100,000 employee-generated workplace reviews. The list factored the employees' relationships with their boss and co-workers, plus work environment, compensation and growth opportunities. And if you believe the surprising results, the happiest employees around happen to be software quality assurance engineers. The data also reveal similar satisfaction levels among executives chefs, property managers and bank tellers.

And who are the least satisfied on the job? Apparently security officers, teachers and registered nurses.

According to the old saying, you'll never work a day in your life if you love what you do for a living. That's when a run-of-the-mill job becomes a passion. But whether you're thrilled with your career or simply putting in your hours for a steady paycheck, the Bible has some words of wisdom to help put things in perspective: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart," advises the Apostle Paul, "as working for the Lord, not for men..."

In other words--whether you're the CEO of a large corporation or a 9-to-5 ditch-digger--you should do your job for God's glory. Christ-followers should therefore consider the workplace as much a place of worship on Monday through Friday as church is on Sunday.

The world's message is that money, position and climbing the ladder equals a successful career...and that a successful career equates to a satisfied life. But the world has it all backwards. In reality, there's no such thing as a self-made man or woman. Everything we have--our money, possessions, family and health--is due to God's generosity. He gives it freely and can take it away without notice.

God defines success much differently. Instead of living self-centered lives on the fast track to stock options and a corner office, His followers need to celebrate Him by doing the most good with the resources He gives them. Our motivation should therefore revolve around doing what's best for others. It's our faithfulness to God that's the real gold standard of success.

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" Jesus asks His followers. "Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Those are tough questions we all must answer. But from God's perspective, having it all in this world can lead to having absolutely nothing at all.