10 Tips to More Meaningful Work

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I am seeing more and more posts and articles about how so many Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs.  Last week CNBC put out an article that suggested that 80% of employees only care about their paychecks.  Is this you?  I know in my life, I have had seasons with every job when I have thought…

Is this really the job for me?

Am I accomplishing God’s purpose for me here?

Why don’t I enjoy this?

Is there a better fit for me somewhere else?

If you are asking these same questions, then know that there are at least two of us that have struggled with the same thoughts and feelings!  However, the more and more I mature, I have realized that every job has its issues, but the bigger issue is actually not the job--it’s me!  I know that doesn’t sound encouraging at first but think about this.  You cannot always change your job, but you can change. If you do change, you could affect how you see your job and could impact lives around you.

In Colossians 3:23-24 Paul says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”  Our work is not emails and presentations.  Our work is not phone calls and meetings.  Our work is serving the Lord Christ.  If we believe that God is working things for our good and for His glory, and we believe that things happen for a reason, then there is purpose to where we currently work.  So… what now?  Here are some tips for making your work mean more.

Tip #1: Realize That It Is More About Who You Are Than What You Are Doing

To say that God does not care about what we are doing in our jobs would be totally false.  I am not saying that.  I am saying that God cares more about your heart and your character than whether you are flipping burgers or designing a bridge or even preparing a sermon.  Heart change is the goal.  It’s more about who you are.

Tip #2: Pray for Your Work and for Your Co-Workers

If you are dissatisfied with your job, have you tried praying?  I am not talking about praying that God would give you a different job!  Consistently begin praying small prayers that God would help you work according to Colossians 3:23-24 and pray for your co-workers.  Pray that God will open your eyes to opportunities to show them and share with them the love of Christ.

Tip #3: Serve Someone

Are you serving your co-workers currently?  It is amazing how our relationships with others blossom when we serve them.  By taking the small step of daily choosing someone to serve you can grow your fulfillment in relationships at work.

Tip #4: Share a Nugget of Truth Whenever You Can

If you pray for God to open your eyes to opportunities to show and share the love of Christ, he will!  Take advantage of little moments and conversations to talk about Jesus.  This will energize you!  We were saved to share the love of Christ!

Tip #5: Always Choose Integrity No Matter the Cost

I want to acknowledge that each of us faces real challenges and temptations on a daily basis in our work environments.  Not everyone of us works in a place where our leaders or co-workers do everything with high integrity.  We are different though!  Let’s obey Christ first and foremost—no matter the cost.

Tip #6: Invest Time in Intentional Growth Daily

You may not enjoy your job currently, but is there a job within your current company that you would enjoy?  Is there a position somewhere else that fits you, but you are not prepared for it at this point?  Take a few minutes, maybe 15, each day and work towards it.  If you do this consistently you will be amazed at your progress.

Tip #7: Plan… Or Plan to Fail 

My late father used to tell me all the time… “Plan, or plan to fail.”  I never liked when he would say this because I always tied it to the fact that I thought he wanted me to do more work that I didn’t want to do.  However, my dad was right!  We must plan.  Before you start your work each day, plan out three tasks that you will accomplish no matter what.  Be realistic with these—not three large tasks.  If you start planning, you will find that you will accomplish more meaningful tasks and will find fulfillment in that.

Tip #8: Make a “Pain in the Neck” List

Whether you are in a position to manage others or not, this is a great exercise.  For 30 days, write down things about your job that you don't enjoy doing or that you’re weak at.  If you are in a position to delegate to others, look around at your team and see if there is someone on your team that would enjoy these “pain in the neck” tasks.  So often there are people right under our noses that would love to do the things we are struggling with.  This also allows opportunity for you to develop someone on your team.  If you are not in a position to delegate, this list could lead to a conversation with your supervisor about how you can be put in a better position to succeed by investing in your strengths.  This list won’t solve everyone’s problems, but it will dramatically improve the jobs of many!

Tip #9: Simply… Be Thankful

No matter what your current situation is, you have things to be thankful for in your work.  Search out these things and consistently thank God for them.  If you take this small step in the area of work, this could spread into other areas in your life and form a habit that could change your outlook on life.

Tip #10: Be Different

I started this blog off by stating that 80% of employees only care about their paychecks and sadly enough we, as Christians, fall into this percentage as well.  What if we were different?  What impact could we have?  What if Christ was evident in his children by the way they worked?  What if joy was evident in our lives no matter the circumstances?

This is what Christ wants from us in our work!  How are you going to take small steps to change?

Noah

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