Work and What Matters

Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
— John 6:27

If it’s been years since you’ve taken an extended vacation, you’re not alone. According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans work more than anyone in the industrialized world. In France, workers take an entire month off—paid—every year. Americans rarely use sick days. In the good ol’ US of A, every day is a work day.

Work more. Have more. That seems to be our motto.

So why does it feel like we have less?

Experts say more work leads to more stress, and stress can make it impossible to enjoy what we do have. But with bills to pay, the thought of cutting back makes our blood pressure soar.

Jesus was no stranger to work. He grew up with a hammer in His hands. Sunup to sundown sweat trickled over His achy arms. Imagine the work it took for Jesus to shape twelve diverse men into the team that would change the world.

As stressful as three years of ministry with His apostles must have been, Jesus found time to listen to children, comfort the sick, eat with friends and escape for prayer. He worked, but He made certain He was investing in what really mattered.

When the reward for a fifty-hour work week is less time with family, less time with God, less joy, are we really getting ahead?

Today’s One Thing

Be daring. Use some of those vacation hours you have saved up. Dust off the porch swing. Read a book. Take your kids to the park. Connect with God, and taste the fruit of your labor.

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