Work and RestSample

Work in itself doesn’t make us happy

Some people don’t work to live, but live to work. They spend all of their lives toiling to gather riches, and never have a moment of rest. The author of Ecclesiastes sees such people around him and reflects on their lifestyle. He concludes that this attitude towards work and possessions does not bring happiness. As with so many things in life, it is “vanity”. Wealth is temporary and unpredictable. It slips through your fingers, it’s no guarantee for lasting happiness. As Ecclesiastes 5:13-14 philosophically observes: “There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture”.

We can only enjoy our work and its results if we have the right perspective on life. Knowing that everything on earth is fleeting and temporary in comparison to God’s eternal kingdom, puts things in perspective and prevents us from over-valuing our labor and our money. Knowing that life’s value is not ultimately dependent on the economic success or material well-being helps us to relax and enjoy God’s good gifts. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Does your work occupy you so much that you can’t find rest? If so, please take a moment to ask yourself why you prioritize your work over everything else...