Why Work? Ecclesiastes 3: 9-15 Graeme Sterne, 2006

Frustrations associated with work It is burdensome Ecc.3 10 It has its challenges It has doubtful eternal consequence It isn’t always valued Sometimes the credit for it goes to the wrong place

So, what does the worker gain from work? Ecc.3:9 Satisfaction of a job well done – quality Satisfaction for completion Satisfaction of seeing others helped Doing something needed (significance) Doing something constructive Creating openings for people Good utilization of resources

But what is produced for eternity? What will last? What will be remembered? What difference will you have made? Are you doing God’s will? If you look for eternity in your work you will be disappointed

God has put eternity into our hearts but we cannot understand it Ecc 3:11 We are shaped for a relationship with God We feel it inside of us But when we search for this relationship we cannot fathom God’s ways At least, not by looking within… “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13

So, why am I doing all this work? To make a living (it’s part of my job) It is how I get my perks It develops me It opens doors for me It provides for my future I am using God-given talents It is an extension of who I am I gain status from it

Along the way, something very important is happening I am serving God – He placed me here I am serving other people I am expressing love I am speaking His word into situations I am demonstrating kingdom values I am making disciples N.B. How many of these things are eternal?