 We shouldn’t be idle or depend on others to take care of us (1 Thessalonians 5:14). But many consider their work to be a drag. Can work be less grueling? What are some attributes that would make work more fulfilling?
Our work shouldn’t focus on our own fulfillment. Many work solely for their own fame or fortune. Self-centeredness brings a lot of pain. Our work should not define us, such as “I am an engineer, a painter, a housemaid, a housewife, or a preacher.” If we let our profession define our meaning of existence or our identity, work will become our idol and burn us out. The movie Chariots of Fire contrasts the attitudes of two British runners in the 1924 Olympics. Harold Abrahams won the 100-meter dash. He said when he ran, he had “10 lonely seconds to justify my existence.” He also said, “I’ve never known [contentment]. I’m forever in pursuit and I don’t even know what I am chasing.” Our status and our identity should not depend on how well we have done our work. Our identity is from being God’s wonderful children, based on what Christ has done for us. God embraces us because of Christ, not our work. The other runner, Eric Liddell, won the 400-meter dash. He said, “I believe God made me for a purpose … but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Running didn’t define him. After winning the Olympics, he left England to be a missionary in China. Our work should utilize the gifts God has given us. But if God calls us to do something that doesn’t seem to fit, just do it. He will supply the necessary power. We should sincerely try our best. Work to appreciate what God has done for us (1 Thessalonians 4:1). Work to honor God. Finally, work to address needs around us, serving and benefiting others (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12). Work to bring human flourishing as an expression of love. Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon: https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/work-6449/ 快乐地工作 我们不应懶闲着或依靠别人来照顾和供给我们（ 帖撒罗尼迦前书5:14）。但许多人认为他们的工作很烦累，工作可以没有那么痛苦吗？ 哪些特性可以使我们对工作更加满足呢？ 工作不应专注于自己的成就感。许多人为了名声或财富而工作，自我中心会带来很多痛苦。 不要用工作来定义自己，例如我是工程师、画家、女仆、家庭主妇或宣教士。如果让职业定义自己的身份或存在的意义，那么工作将成为偶像，浪费我们的一生。 电影 “烈火战车Chariot of Fire”中描述了1924年奥运会参赛的两名英国运动员。他们的人生态度形成鲜明的对比。 Harold Abrahams赢得了100米短跑。他说当自己在跑步时，“我用寂寞的10秒钟来证明自己存在的价值。” 他还说：“我从没有满足的感觉。我永远都在追求，但不知道自己在追逐什么。” 一个人的地位和身份不应该取决于他的工作做得如何。因为基督为我们所做的一切，我们的身份是上帝美好的儿女。上帝拥抱和珍爱我们是因为基督, 而不是我们的职业。 另一位选手Eric Liddell赢得了400米短跑。他说：“我相信上帝造我有祂的目的 … 但祂也使我跑得非常快。当我跑步时，我感到祂的喜悦。” 跑步并没有定义他，夺冠之后他离开英国到中国宣教去了。 当使用上帝所赐给的才能去工作。但如果上帝呼召我们去做一些好像不太适合自己的事，那都放胆去做. 祂将提供必要的力量。 真诚地努力做好每一件事, 百分之百地投入和付出。 让所做的事取悦上帝，感激祂为我们所做的一切（帖撒罗尼迦前书 4：1）。 让所做的事荣耀上帝。 让所做的事满足周围人的需求，为他人服务, 使他人受益（帖撒罗尼迦前书 4：9-12）。努力促进人类蓬勃发展，以此表达我们的爱心。
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