September 23, 2011
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
have the wisdom to show restraint.”
Proverbs 23:4
Recently, the LORD blessed our business with a lot of orders from customers and my wife and I found ourselves so tired with all the activities, trying to fill the peculiar needs of each customer. It was good to be so busy inspite of the short sleep and long hours. Tonight, the LORD reminded me of Proverbs 23:4. This is one proverb that is easy to understand. GOD exhorted me not to “wear myself out” in pursuit of riches.
As a child, I was often impatient whenever we were on our way to the beach on weekends, wanting to reach our destination as soon as possible so I can enjoy the ocean. I just loved to swim and dive and also gather shells to show off to friends. Growing older, I haven't lost my impatience in “getting to my destination.” I want to finish a project as soon as possible so I can reap the harvest. The pursuit of riches in itself is not wrong but to be so focused on the activity that you lose your joy is not good. A major part of the blessing of work is the journey of accomplishing that work. If we do not learn and become a better person during the journey, then we would have missed the point. Much of life's lessons are learned during problem-solving.
We often think that the journey is a path that we must take by ourselves so we can work out the situation and arrive at a fruitful solution. If we take this route, we would miss the adventure. We were never meant to take a path alone. We can take other friends along and we can probably solve some problems quite well; but still, would it be the best solution? Would I have learned from the best? The only person who would be the best companion for any journey is GOD because He holds the future in His capable hands. In fact, He has prepared good works for us so we can walk in them (Eph 2:10). This is the only way we can have a life and enjoy it too!
GOD exhorts us to exercise wisdom in balancing work with living an enjoyable life. Our spouses and children should have equal time to enjoy life with us. As we enjoy GOD's presence, our family should also enjoy our presence. When they see Immanuel – GOD with us – then they will truly see that our GOD is real and loving.
The LORD also reminded me that “the plans of the diligent lead only to abundance but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty”(Prov 21:5). As we pursue riches, we must do it with all diligence and excellence, but we must never forget that it was GOD who gave us work so we may enjoy our lives on earth. Godly work is our spiritual worship to our excellent GOD. Work performed under GOD's direction is not mere 'work' but a mission that leads to a glorious destiny.
Godly work results in contentment, whatever the circumstances.
ἀγγελος
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