How can we align our work with God's eternal purposes, per Ecclesiastes 2:18? Setting the Scene: Solomon’s Struggle With Work • “I hated all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me.” (Ecclesiastes 2:18) • Solomon’s frustration is not with work itself, but with work detached from God’s eternal plan. • Scripture elsewhere presents work as a divine assignment (Genesis 2:15; Ephesians 2:10). The problem arises when labor is pursued merely “under the sun,” without reference to what lies beyond it. Seeing Work Through God’s Eyes • Work has intrinsic value when offered to the Lord: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) • God rewards labor that endures: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) Principles for Aligning Our Labor With Eternity • Remember the true Owner – Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof”. – We are stewards, not proprietors, of every task, resource, and opportunity. • Keep Christ at the center – “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) – A daily habit of surrender realigns motives from self-advancement to kingdom service. • Pursue excellence for God’s glory, not personal fame – “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) – Excellence becomes worship when it reflects His character. • Invest in people over projects – Projects pass on; people live forever. – Galatians 6:10 directs us to “do good to everyone, especially to those who belong to the household of faith”. • Lay up eternal treasures – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20) – Generosity, discipleship, and gospel witness outlast any résumé line. Practical Steps for the Workplace • Begin each workday with Scripture and a brief dedication of tasks to the Lord. • Identify one coworker to encourage or serve sacrificially each week. • Review major projects: How do they advance justice, mercy, or human flourishing (Micah 6:8)? • Practice integrity in hidden moments—expense reports, online time, private conversations. • Tithe from every paycheck and look for additional ways to channel resources into eternal causes. • Celebrate accomplishments by giving public credit to God and team members, reducing self-promotion. Encouragement to Finish Well • The inheritance issue that bothered Solomon is resolved in Christ: “You have an eternal inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.” (1 Peter 1:4) • Your everyday labor, yielded to Him, becomes part of that inheritance. • When earthly assignments conclude, the Master’s commendation awaits: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23) Work done in step with God’s purposes never ends with the last paycheck; it resounds into eternity. |
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