Glad to Work
Glad to Work
We rebuilt the wall until the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had the will to keep working. (Neh. 4:6)
Gripe or Gratitude
It’s so easy to complain about our jobs. Our cubicle is too small. The people we deal with are rude. We don’t like the office politics. Our superiors don’t listen or don’t care. Health insurance costs keep going up. Our raises are getting smaller or our pay is decreasing. Promotions always seem to go to the other guy. We don’t travel enough or we travel too much. Before we know it, our sour attitude affects our performance. Sometimes we get so caught up in circumstances, we miss the big picture. We miss that our work is a contribution to God’s kingdom.
Will to Work
Nehemiah was a big-picture guy. The Old Testament tells how this cupbearer to a king rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls. Enemies taunted and attacked, but Nehemiah was singularly focused on the job God gave him. Despite setbacks, Nehemiah remained grateful to God for the work, and he spurred the people to complete the project in just fifty-two days.
How did Nehemiah do it? The Bible says, “The people had the will to keep working.” Wall building can be monotonous, hard work—and dangerous, too, when you’re being attacked. But God’s people worked quickly and skillfully. When we have a grateful heart and a strong will to work, it’s amazing what we can accomplish.
Bottom Line
Train yourself to see the good in your work. Then do your best in your job without complaining.