January 26, 2023
## Thought: Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. Again, I saw vanity under the sun: one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business. (Ecclesiastes 4:1-8)
Todays’ Scripture from (vs. 1-8) reminds me of a person climbing the ladder of success only to discover that they found the ladder leading them up against the wrong wall after their climb. Solomon realized his tragic mistakes in getting to the top without God. Today, success is sought at any price in our dog-eat-dog world, even if it means stepping on others to get where we want to go. Servanthood seems counter-cultural today, but Jesus said in (Matthew 23:11) “the greatest among us will be the servant of all.” Are you a servant, or do you expect others to serve you? Are you oppressing anyone, or are you enabling others to be successful?
Solomon also warns us in (vs. 1-8) about the dangers of being a workaholic. Proverbs 15:16 says, “Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it.” There is nothing wrong with having money and things, but the problem comes when those things have you.
Friends, if struggling to meet quotas at work is bringing nothing but turmoil to your life, it may be time for a change in your lifestyle. Ask yourself, “Why am I working? To get to the top without God? Out of a sense of envy? To impress people?” When Jesus is on the throne of our hearts, we will always work for the right reason. Would you Pray with me:
Lord Jesus, as I enter my workplace, may I bring Your presence with me. I speak Your peace, Your grace, and Your perfect order into the atmosphere of this office. I acknowledge You over all that will be said, decided, and accomplished. Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gifts You have given me. I do not take them lightly but commit to using them responsibly and well. Please give me a fresh supply of truth and beauty to draw as I do my job. Anoint my creativity, ideas, and energy so that even my most minor task may bring You honor. Lord, when I am confused, guide me. When I am weary, energize me. When I am burned out, infuse me with the light of Your Holy Spirit. May my work and how I do it bring hope, life, and courage to all I come in contact with today. And, oh Lord, even in this day's most stressful moment, may I rest in You. In the name of Jesus, my savior, I pray. Amen.
Encouraging Words from Charles F. Stanley: Trusting God means looking beyond what we see to what God sees.
God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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