Prayer Journal
Monday, September 1, 2003
"So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot." Ecclesiastes 3:22
Today is the day we recognize as Labor Day in the United States. Most of us who work in this country have a vacation day today and are spending time with our family or friends. Tomorrow is another issue however for most of us will return to work - that is our lot.
I guess you could say King Solomon had a good work ethic: other people did all his work for him. He paid a price for such luxury however for in his old age he became a fat idol worshiping slob while his son who ruled after him was a chip off the old block. After Solomon's death, most of the those serving him rebelled against his son and followed another leader north to serve someone else.
We should be thankful for a job that pays well. The love of money may be the root of all evil, but the lack of it can be down right evil; just ask the person without any. We should also be thankful for a job that provides benefits for long-term faithful service. Millions of people don't have it and every day can be an adventure regarding what to do should they become sick or injured.
It's amazing that so many people with a good job are constant grippers and complainers. I had the privilege of meeting some Koreans several years ago who showed me what a grateful employee should look like. These people were proud to work for one employer their whole life and desired to see their own children grow up and work for the same company. They took pride in their workmanship and were proud of their finished work. Top down, the company seemed to me to be more like family than a working arrangement between boss and employee.
If the truth were told, too many US companies are anything but kind and thoughtful toward their employees. They offer benefits because they are forced to do so and all too often dismiss aging employees and hire younger less expensive people when it seems financially prudent. A fortunate few people are offered early retirement with reduced benefit to avoid future a layoff that might come as a result of a corporate down-sizing.
What is your attitude toward your employer? Is your job a stepping stone on the career path of your life? Do you badmouth your company's product and/or complain about the way you're treated?
Understand that no one controls your attitude but you. Scripture says every one of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Since everything in life is a gift from God (even a "bad" job), I hope you won't try to explain your bad attitude by telling God His gift was not as good as someone else's gift.
Just Thinkin'... WebServant
Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
Copyright © 1998-2003
James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved
I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers
* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans
* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself
