When You Don’t Love What You Do

Change My Focus

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT

Focus on God’s work in me rather than my work in the world

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13 NLT

Focus on Giving God honor in my achievements rather than seeking honor for my achievements

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14 NLT
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 NLT
There is joy in being different for God

Don’t work to make money, work to make a difference

Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy. Philippians 2:16-18 NLT

How can I make a difference?

1. Work hard for Jesus
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT
2. Look for a need or opportunity
3. Become an expert and be excellent
He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. Exodus 31:4 NLT
4. Learn to love your job by learning to love helping people
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:4 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

  1. How do you think a shift in focus from ‘my work’ to ‘God’s work in me’ will affect your joy this week?
  2. How have you seen a need for achievement and recognition rob you or someone else of joy?
  3. What are some of the things you do to make a difference with your money? Has that difference grown as you have made more money? How can it?
  4. How can you remind yourself this week that you are representing Jesus in your work?
  5. Do you have the right mindset about work? Have you ever taken work for granted?
  6. Read Philippians 2:16-18 aloud. How can your work honor Jesus?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can be alone. Allow yourself to reflect on whether or not you like what you do and if it makes you happy. Share with God the things that make what you do difficult and know that those things matter to him. Now ask God if there is anything in what you do or how you do it that pleases him. As you move through your week consider this conversation with God and ask him to help you find joy.

My Notes