| Proverbs 22:29 – “Observe people who are good at their work— skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone.” |
“Observe people who are good at their work” sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Especially when you work at a company like ours, where highly skilled people are everywhere. But what does “work” actually mean? I’m so glad you asked, because I just looked it up in the dictionary and there are layers to unpack.
Work means “to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary.” Well…yeah. We figured that, right? It’s something most of us are engaged in on a regular basis.
Work also means “to function or operate according to plan or design.” The Bible tells us we were planned by God and Genesis 2 makes it clear that we were designed to work. So that means when we work (fulfill duties) in a way that glorifies God we also work (operate according to His plan and design for us).
But there’s another definition of work: “to make way slowly and with difficulty; move or progress laboriously.” No matter how skilled we may be, or how dedicated to our calling, there are days (sometimes weeks, months or even years) when the going is rough.
When work feels like work, remember that you’re doing what you were designed to do. Make your Designer proud by doing it well, even when it’s hard.
Prayer
Lord, you are the Great Designer. You planned each one of us and led us to this place. Whether we are here for the long haul or only for a season, help us to honor You in everything we do. We want to be the people who are good at their work—not so that we can be admired, but to bring glory to You.
Amen
-Susan Ellingburg
