There is an alternative to hard word… and that is passionate work. When you are passionate about something, it becomes more than just work. It becomes an extension of your gifts and abilities. It still may be difficult, but it’s a different kind of difficult.
When I was in high school I mowed about 22 yards a week. I didn’t always like the work, and it was hard. But I was passionate about the business of it. I loved connecting with people and I loved the end product – I had some money to use and save.
But I have had other jobs that have just felt purely like hard work. The roles didn’t match my giftedness. I was just there, doing my job and hoping the clock would move fast.
You can find joy in any job you have. Colossians 3:17 says: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. And another verse comes to mind, Ecclesiastes 9:10: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Obviously there are lots of factors that go into working hard – and how each person is wired up to love to do certain things. Like overworking, passionate work can bring some long hours and hefty loads. But, here are some differences between work-a-holism and working with passion:
Work-a-holism can squelch vision. Passionate work comes out of your vision.
Work-a-holism sets others aside. Passionate work focuses on bringing others with you.
Work-a-holism ruins homes. Passionate work bring joy.
Work-a-holism is out of balance. Passionate work seeks to get balance restored quickly.
In reflecting on the roles I have in life, this thought came to me one evening: “What I do is so closely tied to who I am that what some may consider work, I consider living.” Ministry leaders who are called to serve, need to fan into the flame the passion that got them to that point in the first place.
No matter what job you have, pray for passion as you work.
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