Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Success”
Our Bible verse for today: “Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 5:19 (NIV)
Our thought for today: “Enjoying what you do is a mark of success.”
Do you enjoy your work? Many people don’t. It’s estimated that two-thirds of Americans are in the wrong job for their skill-set, and one-third report that they actually hate their job. Many others succeed in the work world in that they get promotions and make money, but they’re not fulfilled, satisfied, or happy. Most suicides occur on Sunday nights and most heart attacks occur on Monday mornings.
That’s pretty sad stuff considering that the average American will spend something like 83,000 hours on the job over the course of their working years.
In Ecclesiastes 5:19 Solomon reminds us that if you are content and happy with your work you should recognize it as a gift from God. (Amen!) But wait, does this mean that God chooses to bless some people with happy and satisfying careers and everyone else is just out of luck? “Too bad, so sad, better luck next time.”?
No, I don’t think so. Please remember from previous devotionals in this series that God created you as a unique individual with specific skills, abilities, and talents. Remember the lessons about finding your “sweet spot”, the thing you love to do and which brings you great joy and satisfaction. Sadly, most people never do discover that sweet spot; or they never pursue it.
When I was a young man a very wise career counselor gave me some great advice. He said, “Jim, discover the thing you love to do then figure out a way to get someone to pay you to do it.” It was great advice. (Did I mention that as you’re reading this I’m in a boat on a river in the Amazon Rainforest? It’s a wonderful adventure and they actually pay me to do this!)
Success in life is not a matter of making a lot of money or attaining prestigious positions. The key is finding happiness and contentment in what you do. That’s true whether we’re talking about a job, a hobby, a volunteer position at church, or any other activity. Find the things you are good at and enjoy doing, then apply yourself to those. Then you will be successful in the ways that truly matter. More on this tomorrow.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 