Are you satisfied with your work?

Do you find it fulfilling and meaningful?

Unfortunately, large percentages of people can’t answer those two questions with a resounding, “Yes!” In a 2021 Barna survey, the research group found that 61% of Gen Z, 48% of Millennials, 47% of Gen X, and 42% of Boomers are dissatisfied and frustrated on the job. But when we see work from God’s perspective, when we see what we do in the light of eternity, that turns the table on the satisfaction percentages. Solomon says it this way:

Ecclesiastes 3:22
So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?

Often in Ecclesiastes, Solomon makes initial “under the sun” conclusions that are revised in his final summation, where he concludes that everything only makes sense with Jesus. Life must be lived from the foundation of loving, respecting, honoring, and obeying God. He doesn’t waste our time. With God, everything matters. 

Josiah Leuenberger, Director of the Nashville Institute of Faith and Work, says that we get ourselves into trouble when seeking fulfillment in work rather than God. 

Seeking fulfillment in work apart from the gospel is like pouring water into a leaky bucket and wondering why it can’t be filled. Jesus sets us free from the endless cycle that each of us fall into so easily when we live with ourselves at the center of our story. He invites us into a better pursuit of approaching work as an opportunity to know and enjoy God, grow in him, and serve others as a response of gratitude for his love and service to us.¹

The world is desperate to see Christians find meaning and satisfaction in their work. We don’t worship our jobs; we worship the One who provided us the gift to find purpose in our daily efforts. It’s hard to argue against Solomon’s point: “there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work.” 

Father, thank you for giving us the gift of work. Help us to thank you with our best efforts. Give us joy in the gift that you have given us so we can honor you and serve others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

¹ Josiah Leuenberger, Can Fulfillment at Work be Found? nifw.org, August 10, 2022.