Workin’

Would you rather "Live to Work" or "Work to Live?" I prefer the latter. The "Work" here can be for pay or not. It can be the Work of raising a family. It can be volunteer Work. Meaningful work is foundational to a rich life. Jesus promised a rich life to all who followed him (John 10:10.)  Faith and life should go hand-in-hand.

I read recently of the difficulties (and dangers) of adults who are not creating a healthy work-life balance. Too much busy. Too much work. Too little life. Work, as meaningful as it is, cannot be the end or purpose of life, only a means to life. The end must be a rich, satisfying life. Jesus would want it that way. If we follow Jesus, we will have a work-life balance. God will not crush us with too much to do over too long a haul. Joy, even in sacrifice, is a fruit of work-life balance. Read here God describing how he will accomplish his vision of Life without killing us in the process.

He will not shout or cry out,
    or raise his voice in the streets.
³ A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
⁴     he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
    In his teaching the islands will put their hope." Isaiah 42:2-4 (NIV)

Consider today your own work-life balance. Bored? God may be calling you to reach out and share the work of someone who is overworked or under-resourced. Stressed to the point of burn out? Whose lead are you following? Is it time live the life you have been given rather than mortgage it? Do you need to ask for help?

A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy,

but I came to give life—life in all its fullness. John 10:10 (NCV)