How to Find Meaning in Life in Our Work

In the Bible, Solomon said in Ecclesiastes that life was meaningless. Solomon seemed to have everything one could hope for in life, so how can he say life is meaningless? Do you sometimes feel that life is meaningless? We get up, work, take care of the house or kids, and many other things during the day. We fall into a routine that may feel like a continuing cycle that is going nowhere. Let’s take a look at scripture to see the truth of that belief and see if work has a purpose.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. First, God worked as He created the world and everything in it in Genesis. He said that it was good. God created work. Ephesians 2:10 reads, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God worked to make us, and He made us to work for Him. Not working seems to be not a good thing. In Proverbs, there are verses that speak of “sluggards” or those who are too lazy to work.
2. Jesus worked as a carpenter, then went to work in His ministry. Mark 9:37 shows how Jesus felt about people working for the kingdom. “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’” Jesus still is calling for workers for the harvest, but they are still few. Jesus told parables about workers showing their importance, no matter what type of work they did. John 5:17 says, “Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.’"
3. Paul worked as a tentmaker, and worked in ministry. Romans 16:3 shows Paul and his coworkers in Christ. “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.” If you continue reading in Romans 16, you will see many names of coworkers of Paul. All of their work had purpose. First Corinthians 12:5-7 tells of the importance of all work. “There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
4. First Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This includes work.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a thankful attitude toward God in the work He has given you to do.
• Look for new ways to appreciate your work.