In the Game of Life the object of the game is to make the most money. A player must determine if they will go into the workforce or go to college, and the rest is left to chance. But a player’s career determines their salary, and the amount accumulated during the game determines the winner. In real life the amount a job pays often determines a person’s career choice without regard for their natural gifts and abilities. Choosing a more lucrative path may be appealing, but in the long run the payoff doesn’t make a winner. Finding fullfillment and satisfaction in work is God’s design. God is pleased when we utilize our God-given gifts to maximize job satisfaction. Yet, statistics indicate that 70% of working people hate their jobs. If work is supposed to be a blessing, what is wrong with this picture?

Scriptures
Ec 5:19; Ga 6:4; Ro 12:6; Ep 4:26; Ti 3:10; Col 3:23-24; Mt 6:33

Verse
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that you will get your reward from the Lord. He will give you what you should receive. You are working for the Lord Christ. (Col 3:23-24)

Thought
Job fulfillment comes when you have a passion for your profession. People working within their unique giftedness will most likely experience job satisfaction. There is an energy and excitement that pervades when your natural skills are utilized. It’s important to identify where you excel and find a job that allows you to use that ability. Job fulfillment also comes through your relationships with coworkers and associates. Cultivating those relationships gives you influence in their lives and allows God to use you to minister to them. If there are negative vibes pervading any of your work relationships, pray! Ask God to help you find common ground—a working relationship—where each person can be their best. Settle conflicts quickly; don’t allow disagreements to grow out of proportion. Job fulfillment is also found when you recognize your work as worship. By doing your work as unto the Lord, you worship Him with your attitude, worth ethic, integrity, honesty, dependability. Work will never be 100% fulfilling. There will be challenges and disappointments. However, work can be satisfying, and you can find 100% fulfillment in life by cultivating a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Questions
Does your job utilize your gifts? If yes, how? Do you find satisfaction in your job? If you are not using your gifts, how is your job satisfaction? Are there things you can do differently in order to utilize your gifts in your job? What would your ideal job be? How is your relationship with your coworkers? Are there things you need to do to improve your work community? What does recognizing your work as worship mean to you?

Response
Do what is within your power to make your work the best it can be. Ask God to give you eyes to see ways in which you can use your gifts and improve your relationship with coworkers. If your job can never provide a significant level of fulfillment because you are working outside your natural giftedness, begin taking the steps needed to move toward a job where you can find joy.

Prayer
O Lord, help me use the gifts you have placed in me to honor you in my work. As I interact with my coworkers, enable me to be a witness for you. I want my work values and efforts to be pleasing to you. Thank you that I am able to work. Help me to serve you in and through my labor. Guide me in the career path that is right, in Jesus Name I pray, Amen.