The Who, What, When, Why, & How of Profit
Monday Morning Commentary
As we begin a new series about the workplace, Pastor Chad asks, what is the Who, What, When, Why and How of Profit?
In the book of Ecclesiastes, we find that Solomon is constantly asking questions about the meaning of life. God, the Creator, made us on purpose and for a purpose, therefore, it is only natural that we too ask questions about the meaning of life. In Chapter 1 and verse 3, he asks, “What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?”
Solomon makes clear that life is supposed to be profitable. Part of God’s plan for us is that we would work and profit from that work. There are different kinds of profit. There is the profit of accomplishment. To be able to work at something and produce a desired result. Solomon says he accomplished many things but in the end found himself dissatisfied and still yearning for more. He found himself without meaningful relationships. He then begins to question if satisfying profit is found in the praise of people. But through a time of searching and thinking, he realizes that even this leaves one unsatisfied. The praise of people isn’t lasting profit.
The more he ponders the more Solomon realizes that there is something of great profit that we should pursue – wisdom. Why is wisdom so valuable? Because it empowers! It empowers you to live in the light of the reality of death. To not hold on to this life or what it offers too tightly. We can accomplish much, gain much, be praised by people, and enjoy beautiful relationships, but we must not cling to any of these too tightly.
This isn’t our eternal life. Wisdom empowers you to consider what is important so that you can have the proper focus in life.
Interestingly enough, Solomon found that though wisdom is great profit, even wisdom isn’t enough to satisfy the soul. Why? Because, “nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God” (Ecclesiastes 2:24). There is another needed element to satisfy the soul. Enjoyment. God has created us to work with wisdom and for our enjoyment. That’s right! He wants you to take joy from what you do every day! All of your labor should be done with joy and should fill you with a sense of joy. God wants you to enjoy your work; enjoy your relationships; enjoy your life under the sun. But in order to take that enjoyment with you beyond this life, you must connect your life under the sun to a life lived under the Son. But how?
Ask questions:
What I do, is it meaningful?
Who do I work for?
When do I work?
Why do I work?
Work is a way to connect with our maker and connect others to him as well. This week get honest with yourself and ask, “Do I feel joy, peace, and/or the presence of God when I work? Am I able to connect others to Him through what I do?”