Working Long Hours
Ecclesiastes 3:1,13 For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven … moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.
The need to work is something that we take pretty much for granted. After all, we need to put food on the table, a roof over our heads. And though sadly, many are unemployed and that’s tough, there’s something else going on with work that’s equally bad.
While some workplaces are moving towards a shorter working week, others are headed in the opposite direction. In a recent article – “What working long hours does to your body” – National Geographic reported that Greece had passed legislation allowing employers to mandate a six day working week. Indeed, global megabrand Samsung already requires its executives to work six days.
Not surprisingly, the article reported a litany of the negative physical and emotional impacts of overwork … not to mention the knock-on effects on families.
If you’re retired, great. But for those of us who’re still in the daily cut and thrust of work life, it’s all too easy to fall habitually into overwork … with disastrous consequences. So, today, a reality check from God Himself:
Ecclesiastes 3:1,13 For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven … moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. (NRSV)
Now, if God’s going to give you a gift– think about this – are you going to accept it, are you going to enjoy it, are you going to rest and take pleasure in the fruits of your labours … or will you squander it by grinding yourself into the ground?
For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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