A Sense of Urgency

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. Ecclesiastes 9:10

Might – The Biblical perspective on work is entirely practical. If anyone suggests that spirituality means passive waiting for God to act, that person knows nothing about the Bible. Two things characterize Biblical work. Urgency and commitment. In this verse, we see them both.

First, Solomon tells us that whatever you’re doing, do it with all that you’ve got. He uses the Hebrew word koah. It’s a word about power and strength. Biblical work is never a “good enough” effort. When God calls us to go to work, we are to engage all of our abilities, concentration and effort. “Don’t hold back” is the Biblical motto.

Secondly, whenever the Bible speaks of work, it includes a sense of urgency. As Solomon says, “Get it done now because there is no chance to complete it after you’re dead.” The Biblical perspective is always the realistic perspective. No one knows what tomorrow brings (in spite of weather predictions). That means we must take a “Do it now” attitude. What God calls you to work, don’t delay.

What does this mean? It means that followers in the Way should be the world’s most productive employees. They should be the ones every business loves to have. They should lead the pack in getting things done. Why? Because they believe that wherever God has placed them, they serve the Lord of lords. Did you notice that Solomon does not say, “When you have a clear sign from God that you are in the right job”? He says, “Whatever your hand finds to do”. It doesn’t matter if it’s sweeping floors, washing feet or running the country. The job is not the important thing. What is important is whom you serve, not what you are doing in your service. When everything you do glorifies the Father, what you do really doesn’t matter. The smallest task or the greatest accomplishment is not measured on the “importance” scale. It is measured on the “honoring” scale.

Today you can honor the Lord of life. What He places before you, do with all your strength. Don’t ask why He brings the task. Just ask how you can do it to please Him.