Attitude to work

The season of coursework deadlines and exams has got me thinking, but with all the typing I've done lately this won't be a long post...I hope!

I used to get pretty stressed about coursework, the worst was my A level history when I struggled to sleep. On one occasion I was so upset about it I started hyper-ventilating from crying too much. But I have become far more peaceful through uni with my deadlines, which I put down to a number of things. My housemates are pretty chilled too, so there's not an atmosphere of people being stressed. I have learnt more about my style of working and how I work best. And finally I have learnt to trust in God's peace and strength, knowing that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13.

What I want to write about is now I know how I work best I have also learnt that this means I cannot compare how I am doing with other people's progress. This can cause you to feel stressed when someone else has written far more of an essay than you, or they're not bothering to revise for an exam till the last minute because they're really confident. Know that God has given us each unique gifts (Romans 12:3-8) which I think can be applied to this context too. We have different abilities and strengths, so don't compare yourself to others God made you differently, that shouldn't be something to worry about. Some people may find the comparison motivates them. That's fine, if that works then great.

A final verse I've found encouraging is Micah 6:8 - All that God requires of us is to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

The Message translation says:

"But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,

what God is looking for in men and women.

It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbour,

be compassionate and loyal in your love,

And don’t take yourself too seriously—

take God seriously."

So if it gets to the end of the day and you've not done the work you had wanted to do, don't beat yourself up about it, that wasn't what God requires of you.

Although  I'm not saying it's a get out of work, as Colossians 3:23-24 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."

What are you searching for?

When listening to music words are really important to me, and sometimes words that I relate to or speak to me will jump out or stick in my head. I was recently listening to the song ‘By your side’ by Tenth Avenue North, it wasn’t a song I’d heard before but as I listened a line jumped out at me.

“Why are you still searching…as if I’m not enough?”

I felt God challenge me on what I search for, forgetting that in Christ I have everything (Philippians 3:8). In life we can search for friendships, status, recognition, among other things, but are we making our search for a deeper relationship with God our priority? In Joshua 24:19 it refers to God as “a Holy God…a jealous God”. He doesn’t want us searching and striving for other things (idols) – he wants our focus to be Him because he wants a relationship with us. God is the only person worthy of being our first priority.

Jesus gave everything for us to have a relationship with Him; have a look at Philippians 2:6-8 to see what He was willing to do to have a relationship with you! He gave up equality with God, to be crucified for us. He is the best friend you’ll ever have; strong when you feel weak, powerful when situations seem hopeless while also being a close and personal friend that is always willing to listen. The song ‘this so called love’ by Mercy Me is full of truth about how He’ll be there for you through anything and I’d recommend having a listen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOrKrmFoXSI

So if Jesus gave everything to have a close and personal relationship with you, why are you searching for anything else? You could spend ages searching for other things, but if you search for God you won’t have to search for long – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). If you wanted to be better friends with a mate you’d spend more time with them and talk to them more – the same applies to a relationship with God. Make some time to spend with Him, as you would a good friend who you’d want to catch up with. And I pray that your relationship with your heavenly Father will become stronger as a result.