There is an attitude that has invaded our culture and has been around for decades. There was even a song written about it in the 80s. Perhaps, you remember it: Working for the Weekend. When Friday comes, the whistle blows or the bell rings, you punch out or log out, and walk out from work; it’s the best day ever! But when Sunday night or Monday morning comes, it’s devastating. It’s the end of the world! Your morning routines begin, and you set yourself on autopilot for the rest of the week. You grind it out, day after day, looking for that blessed day to arrive, hoping it comes quickly. Repeat! It’s a way a life for many, and it really is no life at all.
The problem with this pervasive attitude is that it leaves so many missed opportunities on the table. It numbs the senses, and the blinds the eyes from seeing what’s in front of you. Of course, for a multitude of people, the reason they feel stuck in this cycle is simply because they hate their jobs, and are afraid to do anything different. To a degree, that’s another subject; but if that’s you, stop and consider your options. Ask the Lord to show you where you’re supposed to be. There obviously is a need for change, but not necessarily a change in occupation; although, it could be. Submission to the will of the God will absolutely break the cycle; but you have to be willing to change before any other modifications take place. With that, considering God’s opinion about who you are and what you’re supposed to be doing is paramount. It has to supersede anyone else’s, especially since any view that differs from His is wrong. The fear of man, or caring too much about what others think can really crush your God-given hopes, dreams and destiny. God has to be your First Love!
What about those missed opportunities? Let’s talk about some of those that are in front of everyone. Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls. What about sharing the love of God with those you work with? Perhaps, the reason you’re at your current position is that someone needs to experience His love and actually hear the Gospel. You just might be the one who makes a difference in someone else’s life. For some, that’s a no-brainer; but, sometimes we need a gentle reminder.
Philippians 16 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. In the process of perfecting the good work in us, God will use our circumstances to help mold us into the image of Jesus. One’s place of employment can often be a place of exposure. Meaning that environment may very well exert enough pressure to bring anything contrary to the nature of the God to the surface. It allows us to see something we may be unware of about ourselves, or force us to look at something to which we’ve been turning a blind eye. It gives us the opportunity to repent or even find healing for our soul. Sometimes people react to situations out of a lust they’ve tried to suppress, or a hurt that’s been haunting them for years. These conditions assuredly can push people to deal with what’s been lurking in their hearts.
Romans 8:28-29 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.
How many of you have wanted to be absolutely led by Holy Spirit where ever you find yourself? Did it occur to you that your place of employment can serve as a training center, if you allow it? Regardless of the type of work you do, He can lead you to do your best work ever. If for example, it’s become mundane for you, He can spice it by changing the way you do things. Just when you think you’re as efficient as you could possibly be, He can take you to a new level. All you have to do is surrender and be mindful. You may find unexpected creativity to solve problems for the institution or individuals. You may receive prophetic words that co-workers need to hear. By asking God what someone else needs in the moment does wonders when you need wisdom. Constantly praying in the Spirit while working, changes things –including the environment. A person’s lack of mindfulness may be what comes between them and that promotion they’ve working so hard to get. If you focus strictly on the 9:00 to 5:00, you’ll miss such opportunities.
Another consideration is glorifying God by doing things with excellence as an act of worship. Worship is a lifestyle; not a weekly event at church. The way you serve others may reflect the way you serve Him. If you find yourself looking to be pleased, try pleasing Him instead.
Ephesians 6:5-8 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
These are just a few things available to us in our day to day living. There’s so much more out there. If a particular day is important to God (even a Monday), it should probably be important to us. As it is written, “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).
