Wisdom when working
Thursday 22nd November 2018
'Happy is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gets understanding.' Proverbs 3:13 NCV
The Bible often encourages us to gain or use wisdom. One important place to exercise wisdom is when we're working. We might think it's honourable to be constantly occupied, but that isn't using good judgment.
Here are a few things to bear in mind: (1) Know what to say yes to. We might be tempted to do many things in our day-to-day lives. And we say yes, because it's considered being helpful. But we can end up getting burned out. So, it's a good idea to ask God which tasks we should prioritise our energy on. (2) Take time to stop and recharge. In Genesis 2:2, God took time to rest. In Luke 5:16, we're told that 'Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed' (NIV). We should follow these examples and make sure we take time to refresh ourselves and be alone with God. (3) Reflect on accomplishments. When God finished Creation, he 'saw all that he had made, and it was very good' (Genesis 1:31 NIV). When we've completed a task, it's good to take stock: to see what we've done well, what we could have done better, and how much we've learned in the process. It's a time to thank God for giving us the strength and resources to complete the task. God thought it was worthwhile to look back on what he'd done, and so should we.
So what now? Learning to say yes to the important things? Taking time to rest? Reflecting on what you've accomplished? What changes can you make to show wisdom in the way you work?
Thursday 22nd November 2018
'Happy is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gets understanding.' Proverbs 3:13 NCV
The Bible often encourages us to gain or use wisdom. One important place to exercise wisdom is when we're working. We might think it's honourable to be constantly occupied, but that isn't using good judgment.
Here are a few things to bear in mind: (1) Know what to say yes to. We might be tempted to do many things in our day-to-day lives. And we say yes, because it's considered being helpful. But we can end up getting burned out. So, it's a good idea to ask God which tasks we should prioritise our energy on. (2) Take time to stop and recharge. In Genesis 2:2, God took time to rest. In Luke 5:16, we're told that 'Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed' (NIV). We should follow these examples and make sure we take time to refresh ourselves and be alone with God. (3) Reflect on accomplishments. When God finished Creation, he 'saw all that he had made, and it was very good' (Genesis 1:31 NIV). When we've completed a task, it's good to take stock: to see what we've done well, what we could have done better, and how much we've learned in the process. It's a time to thank God for giving us the strength and resources to complete the task. God thought it was worthwhile to look back on what he'd done, and so should we.
So what now? Learning to say yes to the important things? Taking time to rest? Reflecting on what you've accomplished? What changes can you make to show wisdom in the way you work?