Being Happy On The Job :)

Happiness involves feeling good about yourself. It's based on your relationships and achievements. When your gifts and abilities are fully developed and utilised through your life's work, you grow in confidence and strength.

"The Lord will command the blessing on you in you storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you." (Deuteronomy 28:8)

Here are seven keys to being happy on the job:
(1) See work as God's gift, not punishment.
"When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God" (Ecc 5:19 NIV).

(2) Recognise God as your true employer.
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does" (Eph 6:7-8 NIV).

(3) Pursue work compatible with your gifts.
"If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised" (1 Pet 4:11 NIV).

(4) Learn everything possible about your job.
"Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance" (Pro 1:5 NIV).

(5) Use criticism to your advantage. In fact, make it work for you; ask for suggestions and correction.
"Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction: but he who regards reproof will be honoured" (Pro 13:18).

(6) Do more than is expected of you.
"If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles" (Matt 5:41). Be an extra-miler!

(7) Make Jesus your work partner. Stay Christ-conscious throughout the day as you perform your duties faithfully.
"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You: because he trusts in You" (Isa 26:3).

This encouragement comes from 'The Word for Today' devotional available free from http://www.thewordfortoday.com.au/ This is extracted from 21st August 2007.