Work
Just the word can make my shoulders droop and my feet drag. But this doesn’t need to be so.
I have the privilege of working with an awesome group of young people. Recently I’ve noticed a remarkable trend:
When the workers and I talk about worldly things, such as movies; or when we talk in a negative manner, such as accusing a coworker of doing a poor job, we start to work slower.
On the flip side, when we talk positively, especially when we talk about Biblical topics, our hands seem to get faster, and the work goes better. Not only that: the work also becomes much more enjoyable, and the time seems to go by pleasantly quickly.
I don’t think this observation is just me seeing things.
Ellen White**, when encouraging workers and students at a school that was developing an agricultural work-study program, wrote:
“You are not working alone. When you are tempted to become discouraged, remember this. Angels of God are right around you. They will minister to the very ground and the earth, causing it to give forth its treasures.” (Manuscript 13, 1909: To the Workers and Students at Hill Crest School)
She also made a statement about how to invite or repel the presence of holy angels:
“In our association with one another, we should take heed lest we forget Jesus, and pass along unmindful that He is not with us. When we become absorbed in worldly things so that we have no thought for Him in whom our hope of eternal life is centered, we separate ourselves from Jesus and from the heavenly angels. These holy beings cannot remain where the Saviour’s presence is not desired, and His absence is not marked. This is why discouragement so often exists among the professed followers of Christ.” (Desire of Ages, pg. 83)
So do you want your work to be both more enjoyable and more productive? More than that, do you want the assistance of holy angels? Then make a point of asking God for help in your work, and do your best to keep Him in your thoughts throughout your day. God will help you:
“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:3
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4,5
**Ellen White was a writer who, I believe, was inspired by God in a more than ordinary way. As it was with Bible writers, some love her, others hate her. I encourage you to prayerfully check out her writings for yourself.