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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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?