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How to Start Enjoying Your Work

I remember being in high school, wondering why adults would always talk about what they’d do if they won the lotto, or how they can’t wait to retire. At the time, I had no cares in the world. So, I thought, I don’t need to be rich. Money isn’t everything.

But it wasn’t long until I, too, began to talk about the same things I used to hear those adults say.

That’s when I understood. Hit the jackpot, so you never have to work again.

I wonder if that’s what’s running through many people’s minds right now, too.

But in this world, work isn’t our problem.

One day, I realized that God gave me dreams, passions and purpose from Day 1. From that moment on, I had a different outlook on work.

It isn’t supposed to be a punishment. It’s supposed to keep you fresh, sharp, and productive. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. But don’t be fooled by that. Just because you’re not involved in mischievous things, it doesn’t mean the devil’s plans aren’t working against you. Sometimes, doing nothing can be just as bad as doing something you’re not supposed to. Be careful! The devil loves it when we’re unproductive.

Work is supposed to build strength and character. In fact, God put Adam to work in the Garden of Eden before he and Eve ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 2:15-25). That means work was intended for our own good.

If you’re unmotivated to work or struggling with the position you’re in right now, the first thing to do is pray. If you search for the Lord, you will find Him (2 Chronicles 15:2). Jesus feels our pain more than we do. It is not His desire to see us living an unfulfilled life. He came to give us life and for us to have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

Second, realize that you do have a gift (Romans 12:6-8)​​. Everyone does. I don’t care how old you are, where you’re from or what you look like. You do.

Third, don’t be afraid to be transparent. Just a few minutes of sharing my thoughts with my cousin a couple of years ago helped me realize the passions I had that I couldn’t see on my own.

God puts people in our lives for a reason. Sometimes, listening to Him requires your willingness to listen to others.

With gratitude,

Melody Stampley

Managing Editor, Compass-finances God’s way

(excerpt taken from How to Start Enjoying Your Work, Compass Blog, 2022)