“Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ That passage in Deuteronomy 8 goes on to read, “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” We’ll talk about why we should always thank God for our ability to earn a living today on Faith and Finance.
Surveys show that a majority of Americans are consistently unhappy with their jobs.
Last year we talked a lot about the Great Resignation and how more workers were leaving their jobs than ever before, hoping to find something better.
There’s nothing wrong with that. We should always try to improve our job skills and take on new challenges. That will be especially important if— or when— we go into a recession. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to earn more, as long as the goal isn’t just to have more money.
REMAINING GRATEFUL
But along the way, you have to remain grateful for the job you have. We often forget that God gave us our jobs in the first place. Grasping that is the key to changing your whole attitude about the workplace.
The Bible clearly shows that God ordained work, even before the Fall. In the very first chapter of Genesis, He commands Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
And even after the Fall, God gives us instructions about work. In Exodus 20, God says, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.”
When you feel yourself wanting to grumble about work, remember that God isn’t some hard taskmaster ordering us to work. Rather, He’s our great Provider.
You might think your resume or work experience got you hired, but ultimately, God provided your job. Everything in the universe happens according to His sovereign will. So we never want to be ungrateful for what the Lord has provided.
And by the way, being grateful on the job provides an excellent opportunity to point others toward Christ. When everyone else is grumbling and you’re going about your duties faithfully and cheerfully, without gossiping about the boss or grousing about the workload, you’re providing an excellent witness for Christ.
HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR THINKING
So, what if you’re not happy in your job? How do you begin to transform the way you think about your job?
First, it’s helpful to stop and think about what exactly you do on your job. Look for the meaning in it, even if you think it’s mundane. All honest work is honorable in God’s eyes.
It’s easy to miss this, but the things you do on the job almost certainly make someone else’s life better by providing a product or service. You’re helping to solve someone else’s problem and making their life better.
That’s certainly one reason why God ordained work, to make the world a better place. So take some satisfaction in that — just not the credit. Psalm 29 says, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name.”
You’ll sometimes hear the expression, “managing expectations.” It’s something we should practice on the job. It means not promising others what you can’t deliver. But it applies to our own thinking, as well.
Business, by nature, is competitive. Companies have to keep costs down so the final product or service is marketable. Don’t expect your company to provide a Cadillac health plan, free daycare, and foosball in the break room. If you don’t expect too much, you won’t be disappointed.
Keep this in mind, too. If you’re grumbling about problems all the time, you become one of them. So instead of complaining, look for solutions instead.
Look at every problem as an opportunity to improve things. Trying to come up with a solution gives you a chance to learn something and possibly become a more productive worker. Suggest alternative ways to do things. Management might not act on your ideas, but at least the boss knows you’re trying to help.
IS IT TIME TO MOVE ON?
Now, what if you’re already doing those things and you know and act as though God is your true Boss and you still feel dissatisfied with your job?
The Bible doesn’t say you have to stay in the same job forever. It could well be that God is leading you to something else.
Just remember that changing jobs or careers can be stressful. You’ll have a new boss, new co-workers, and usually, new duties. And make no mistake, finding a new job won’t help if you carry the same negative thinking into it.
So first put into practice the things we’ve been talking about, and then, with much thoughtful prayer and consideration, ask the Lord for guidance. He may have a new opportunity for you, another place where you can be a grateful worker.
On this program, Rob also answers listener questions:
Are “catch-up” retirement contributions a good idea?
What is the best way to determine how to invest money that is currently in a savings account?
Can you claim an 18-year-old child as a dependent?
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Also, visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
