Session 23

Are you working for a purpose?

From Chasing Purpose: A 27-Day Devotional

It’s January. If your house is like many others, the newness of your family’s Christmas presents is long gone. The batteries have died in the game controller, the expensive purse has a small stain, and that long-anticipated toy has been left neglected on the playroom floor for days.

One glance around our homes confirms that material possessions do not generate long-term joy. We work so hard for the things we think will bring us pleasure — trips, clothing, the latest technology — yet we are left feeling empty when the novelty wears off.

The Bible commends those who work hard and cautions us against becoming lazy in our work ethic (Proverbs 13:4, Ephesians 4:28). But, God also speaks quite clearly on exactly what we should be working for. Money alone cannot satisfy.

Proverbs 23:4-5 says, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”

Having a principled work ethic is admirable, but we need to constantly ask ourselves what we’re working for. If our pursuit is solely to gain wealth or material things, we will be in a state of continual disappointment.

Material items will fail us. Technology quickly becomes obsolete. Clothing becomes outdated. The only lasting thing we can work for is what glorifies God. Wealth is temporary, but the kingdom of heaven lasts forever.

Reflect:

• How much time do you spend working? How is it affecting your life?
  
• What motivates you to work hard?
  
• What’s one step you can take this week to take a healthier attitude toward your work?