Labor Less

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV

Mirriam-Webster lists several definitions for labor, but these two stand out:

to exert one's powers of body or mind especially with painful or strenuous effort

expenditure of physical or mental effort especially when difficult or compulsory

The sad truth as documented by numerous studies is that most people hate their jobs. Meaningful employment should not make us miserable. Sadly, feelings of dread upon driving into that parking lot (or logging on to your computer) arise because we work in positions we think we should do instead of embracing the purposes for which God created us. 

When occupations are chosen solely for financial benefit, we can find ourselves stressed and depressed working jobs we hate. Typically, our jobs consume a least a third of the day for most of us. A job or career that frustrates can make us mentally and physically ill. That is not the way our Father created us to live.

As a society, we are taught that work, work, and more work is the only way to succeed. I readily admit that I’m an advocate for the side hustle. However, the more people I meet, the more I realize that excessive striving only yields finite results. The people I would deem successful merely followed the direction God gave them and allowed His blessings to follow. These individuals love God and are generous. They are not stressed about acquiring things. Their work is their passion, and their talents are suited to do their jobs with ease.

In the words of William Shakespear, to thine own self be true. Fulfilling employment and an enjoyable career are available to all of us. Yet, there may be choices and sacrifices necessary to achieve them. The most important choice is to prioritize your joy above the expectations of other people. We only have one life to live, and it goes fast. We would be wise to enjoy it. Other people make recommendations for our lives; however, they do not know the plans of our Father. True peace and fulfillment have nothing to do with the American measure of success. Joy-filled people enjoy their jobs, they don’t dread them. If you are desperate for a change, perhaps God is allowing your current state to frustrate you to the point that you venture out and discover your true purpose.

Thankfully, it's never too late. Many of us never discover our true calling until we are mature enough to recognize that we are not living the abundant life Jesus died to give us. Career changes commonly arise later in life when we are willing to stretch ourselves, take risks, and do things we never considered decades prior. This may require additional training and education. It may also involve trying new things to figure out what clicks and stirs up our talents.

Our jobs should be opportunities to provide light in dark places. We should illuminate a joy that is enticing to people still searching for God. Sometimes God places us in positions not for the skills we have but for the people we can affect. As Christ followers, we should speak life when we recognize potential in others around us. Our words of encouragement may push someone toward their purpose.

Define success on your terms. Identify your goals. Then start. We don’t have to have all the answers. Our strong and mighty God will take care of the rest.

Pray more and labor less.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NKJV