Welcome to Day 1 of Stress Points to Life Points. Check out the Introduction for the low down of this 10 Day experience starting today!
Day 1 Stress Point Career: Who Needs Some Balance In Their Life?
As 20-somethings starting out new and exciting careers, it is tempting to jump in feet first with excitement and throw ourselves 100% into our jobs. This is a great thing until we lose balance in our life and neglect our family, our health, our friends and our God. There are seasons in life and in our career that we do need to really focus on the task at hand and spend extra hours at the office. It is when we allow those seasons to extend and we allow our life to revolve around work.
Truth Point: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23–24 NIV)
I love how God gives us a perfect formula to work/life balance. When our focus is on the King, when our attention is toward His Word and guidance and when our hope is to please Him alone, we will find that perfect balance.
From Stress Point: Thriving Through Your Twenties In A Decade Of Drama
“As working for the Lord . . .” Whoa there! Have you ever had a Bible verse smack you in the face? This one smacked me and alerted me to a cold, hard truth. I wasn’t seeking to please the Lord with my work; instead, I was laboring to collect a fat bonus, to impress my boss, and to boost my self-esteem. After a while I realized that although this job was itself a gift from God, I was never intended to place my whole world around it. True and meaningful success comes when I work my butt off to please the Lord alone. But there’s a fine line I cross when I live with, in, and through my work as though my life depended on it. Here are a few ideas to help you maintain balance in your life with regard to your career.
~If you’re passed over for a promotion, keep in mind that you are to continue to work hard and to develop a plan for the next promotion. This isn’t the end of the world.
~Bring balance to your work schedule by spending quality time alone with Jesus. Whether that happens before you start your workday, during your lunch break, or in the evening, consistency is key. Day-to-day communication with God points your focus in the right direction.
~Remember that your paycheck, or the lack thereof, doesn’t define your worth. If you’ve worked to please the Lord, that’s all that matters. You are worthy of Him, and He loves you dearly.
~Pray throughout the day. It’s so easy to get caught up in office gossip or a customer crisis, while forgetting to bring it all to Him in prayer. The Holy Spirit doesn’t shy away from giving us guidance, even in our career. (Stress Point page 25)
Life Point: Find something outside of work to get involved in. This might be a volunteering opportunity, a Bible study or a hobby. By adding outside activities, you will stave off burn out at the office. Find refreshment and renewal each new day at work when you work for Jesus and cling to His balance for your life.
~How are you going to add more balance to your life and work TODAY? Leave a comment…let’s chat!
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True Success at work=working our hiney off to please THE BOSS, Jesus. Col 3:23-24. #stresspointslifepoints www.liveitoutblog.com
**Click HERE to get your copy of Stress Point: Thriving Through Your Twenties In A Decade Of Drama
~How are you going to add more balance to your life and work TODAY?
Well, To not over commite and be so busy that i have no time for anything else!! I was supposed to work today but got a phone call saying that i didnt have to so i am looing at this as a blessing to get stuff done ,relax a little and not feel too commited!
Heck yea! Meg. Enjoy the day and get some good stuff done!
Hi Meg! Yay, a time to relax and get things done! I did that yesterday and it felt awesome!
Unfortunately, I still don’t have a job. I haven’t even been on one interview. I live in one of the worst unemployment areas in the US. So, I identify when you said, “Your paycheck, or the lack thereof, doesn’t define your worth.” I work hard every day looking and applying to jobs. I spend time reading blogs, articles, and books about tweaking my resume and cover letter, and going over interview questions. A friend suggested that I pray every time I send off an application, which I’ve been doing and find to be a positive experience. This time has certainly been a test of faith. Additionally, for a long time, I felt guilty if I wasn’t job searching. I wasn’t pursuing my interests and as a result felt empty. Yesterday, I took the day off and just relaxed. I feel rejuvenated and able to stay calm during this week of job hunting.
HI Bree!! I am so sorry that you still dont have a job!!! I will pray for you! How are you doing?
Hi Meg! There are times when I allow my lack of job to bring me down, but lately I’ve been doing well by quickly changing that attitude. Instead of letting Satan control me, I’ve been praying, writing in my journal, and reading God’s Truths. I read something in my devotional the other day that put things into perspective: “God will bring you to a point of weakness if that is what it takes to bring you to trust in Him. Do not despise your weakness, for it leads you to trust in God’s strength.” I know this is isn’t permanent. God is showing me how I need Him. Thank you for your prayers!
Bree!
Thanks so much for checking in and giving us the update. You can count on me for prayer. I am sure this season of waiting has got to be hard on you. You are doing all the right things so keep up the good work. I’m confident that God will bless you for your obedience to Him in His perfect timing.
Father God, guide our friend Bree as she is looking for a job. When she feels frustrated or discouraged, lift her up and give her strength to keep going. I pray that You will bring her an amazing job very soon so she can serve You with the talents that You graciously blessed her with. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Hugs!
Hi Sarah! Thank you for your words of encouragement! It’s definitely tough, but this season of my life has been a great learning experience. For most of my life, my walk with God was weak. He has been showing me how I need Him. Thank you for your beautiful prayer!
How are you going to add more balance to your life and work TODAY
I am incredibly guilty of throwing myself into my work and working up to 70 hours a week. I need to learn my balance and spend more time doing the things I love outside of work.
Great idea. It is tough finding balance, that is where some hard core prayer comes in to ask God to show you where He wants you to draw the line for work/life balance.
Hugs!
I made the mistake of spending a lot of time working on my first job. I got really burnt out. I realized very quickly that I needed work and life balance. I started a Christian book club/social group. It’s great to have a group of people who I can be around with similiar values.
Love how you started a Christian book club/social group, Laticia!