Working Hard

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Ecclesiastes 9:10 Do Your Best

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:10

While many people work well, very few give their work their best effort. Many do the job to get it done in the easiest and shortest way possible. They do not want to put any extra effort into the job being done.

Working in this manner quickly separates those who just survive and those who succeed and are masters at what they do. Musicians see or hear someone who is a master at playing the piano and want to be like that person. Yet, when it comes to practicing on the piano, they only want to practice a few minutes each day. One does not see the hours of practice that the master pianist has put in to get to where he is at today.

It is common that many people will give their best in one area of their life, but do the rest only with a half a heart. People try to cut corners and get by with the least amount of work. This is true when it comes to working for others, but also in doing things for themselves.

As Solomon wrote these words, he did not have a lot of hope for after death. His focus was just on living today and being the best at what one does. He determined that if you must do something, give it your best.

Paul tells you that whatever you do, do it as though doing it for the Lord. Do you want to only give God your leftovers, half-hearted effort?

Since Jesus has come there is now a hope of eternal life after death on this earth. You have a reason for doing your best for God and for everyone else.

Giving your best for someone else, such as a boss, shows God’s love through you. It shows your commitment and honesty. God gave His best for you, why not give your best to Him and to everyone else?

Whether you are working or playing, give it everything you have. Put your best into it. God can use that to touch the lives of others.

I pray today that God will give you the strength to give your best; that God will guide you in what to do and how to do it; and that you will know the hope you have in Jesus for all eternity.

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Proverbs 23:4-5 Only Glance At Riches

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. Proverbs 23:4-5

Getting wealthy is the goal of many people. They desire to have a lot of money. The reasons for wanting a lot of money can vary from person to person. Some want all the large things; some want to be able to give more away; others fear any debt; others may want to provide everything for their families; and yet there are many other desires for wealth.

In order to get the desired wealth many people will go to extreme measures. They will work extra long hours or work an extra job. Many will even work a job that they hate, only because it pays so much more. As they strive to be wealthy, many will try out different get-rich-quick deals. People will bounce from selling one product to another, just to make a lot of money.

The common factor in all of these is that people are wearing themselves out in order to gain more wealth. They can never get enough.

Solomon says to just give a quick glance at wealth, because they will be gone quickly. Wealth is here today and gone tomorrow.

Take a look at your paycheck. It doe not matter how much it really is or how little it really is. Either way, once payday hits, within a few short days it is usually gone. Bills are paid, food and gas are bought, needed items are purchased, and suddenly all the money is gone. All that hard-earned wealth has disappeared.

In light of eternity, all wealth is very fleeting. No matter how much you have it will be gone soon. As Solomon says it sprouts wings and flies off quickly.

As you are going through this life, do not make getting wealthy a high priority in your life. Seek God and find out what He wants you to do. Make doing God’s will your highest priority. Then be content with what He has given you.

God will give you all that you need to live an abundant life. This may mean you may or may not be wealthy, but it will mean a full life. Don’t wear yourself trying to get rich.

I pray today that you will know God’s provision in your life; that you will know the abundant life God provides you; that you will not trust in wealth, but in God alone; and that you will be used by God to reach this world for Jesus.