Chances are that in the course of your life you will spend more time working than with your spouse, family, eating, relaxing, recreating and vacationing combined. Unfortunately 80% of people are dissatisfied with their jobs. Since work is such a big part of life, there should be a better way to approach work, a way to achieve satisfaction and fulfillment in the workplace. God’s word has a lot to say about work, and developing a plan with his guidance is the key to success in this area of life.

Scriptures
Pr 16:3; 3:6; 17:24; 13:16; 21:5; 10:9; 21:6; 16:11; 22:13; 14:23; 13:4; 15:14; 18:15; 28:13; 22:29; 24:16; Ecc 5:7; 10:10; Eph 5:15-16

Verse
Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will succeed. (Pr 16:3) In everything you do put God first and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success. (Pr 3:6)

Thought
W – Work with a plan. Establish goals and timelines for achieving those goals. O – Operate with integrity. Be honest and upstanding. Display integrity and ethics in all you do. R – Remove excuses. Laziness and excuses will get you nowhere. Only through action and diligence will you find fulfillment. K – Keep learning. Wise people continue to learn throughout their entire life. Leaders continue developing their skills, changing and growing. It keeps them sharp and moving forward. I – Invest your time. You can waste, spend or invest your time. You have only so much to give. Use it wisely. Work smart and make the most of every opportunity. N – Never give up. Learn from your failures. Failure is part of your education. Persevere. It’s a choice you–can get down or you can get up!

Questions
Do you know anyone who keeps waiting for something amazing to happen to them…like winning the lotto or receiving an inheritance? Do you know anyone who feels they are entitled and shouldn’t have to work hard? What is the result of this mentality? What is a goal you can set right now for your work life?

Response
In everything, work as if you are working for God. You are his representative and when others observe your work, it should be exemplary. Examine your work life and rate yourself on your integrity, dependability and competence. Set goals to move forward in your work life…whether your present career is your focus or whether you are on a path to another career.

Prayer
Dear God, I dedicate my job to you. I thank you for the work you have given me to allow me to provide for my needs and the needs of my family. Help me to work with integrity and purpose. Help me to touch lives for your kingdom and to be aware of the opportunities you give me each day. May I make you proud, as your child, by my work. In Jesus Name, I pray Amen.