Working Nine to Nine
Working Nine to Nine
What does a man get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? (Eccl. 2:22)
Although I’m able to offer accounting services from my home, I was still working long hours and weekends. Work was stacking up, and I hadn’t cooked a decent meal for my family in weeks. The breaking point came last winter when I noticed my friend Jan was online, and I sent her an instant message. I typed simply, “I need a vacation!”
Jan’s response hit me like a splash of cold water. “You just got back from vacation, silly!” Stunned at Jan’s playful reminder, I stared at my monitor and recalled that indeed my husband and I had just been to the mountains the previous month.
Sobered by the realization that I was working too much and too long, I shut off my computer and put my head on my desk. I cried out to God and asked Him to help me get my life back in balance. My business was thriving, but my family, health, and relationship with the Lord were suffering as a result. Initially I whined to God that my heavy workload was the culprit. But gently He showed me it was not necessity fueling my work but my own pride.
Jesus said in John 6:27, “Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life.” Yet many of us continue to labor to the point of exhaustion for that which does not satisfy. Are you so focused on your work that you are neglecting relationships? Have accomplishments, money, or position become an idol to you? Are you sacrificing health and spiritual growth for success? Are you seeking God and His kingdom first, or do promotions, pay raises, and accolades top your list? Ask God to help you honestly evaluate your work ethic today.