Working In Vain 徒劳无功
Author : Bro Ho Kang Hao
Scripture: Col 3:23-24
We spend at least 9 hours a day working, not considering overtime and work taken back home over the weekend. Conservatively, that’s 45 hours a week, 195 hours a month, and 2340 hours a year! Many views working as a punishment, a curse on life that we sinners must suffer in blood and sweat (Gen 3:17). Humans are wired through generations that hard work and dedication are the way to success. However, we had forgotten the true purpose of labour and ended up draining up our energy, getting frustrated at our incompetence, or worse, worshipping our work through achievements and rewards.
The good news, God wants us to thrive in all aspects of our lives and he gave us the tools, talents and gifts to do just that. Anything we set forth to do without God's initial blessing is meaningless. Whether you are a doctor or a gardener, it's important to make sure whatever we do is pleasing in the eyes of the Lord, and therefore we ask for his blessing over our work (Psalm 90:17). God rewards those who work hard and that can come in a variety of ways. But if you continue to put in a solid work ethic, you deserve whatever the outcome (Psalm 128:2).
I can guarantee you, that it is not an easy path ahead. Challenges and rejection will come along. You may also question yourself whether this job suits me or where is God in these difficult times. In the same light, working full-time in the church does not mean that you will not face challenges, it can be tougher than you think! Even if you're lost and don't know your way out of a difficult situation right now, give it all up to God. Make a promise with Him that you will see it through to the end and He will lay a path down for you (Proverbs 16:3). Fret not, we all have our fair share of suffering and I am optimistic that God is revealing Himself through that situation.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
(Col 3:23-24)
Lastly, I wish to encourage and bless all with this verse. No matter what you do, you are using the gifts that the Lord gave you. If you put your talents to good use, you are proving to God that you love Him and worship Him. Although we may not immediately see the reward for our good doings, they will come. Do not give up! Perseverance is key.
文:何康豪弟兄
翻译：王佩瑾师母
歌罗西书 3:23-24
我们每天花在工作上的时间至少有9个小时，而且是还没包括加班或周末把工作带回家的时间在内。保守估计，那就是一个星期45个小时，一个月195个小时，一年2340个小时！许多人把工作看成一种惩罚，是生命里的一种诅咒，要让身为罪人的我们在血汗中挣扎（创3：17）。经过世世代代，刻苦耐劳，积极的工作才是成功之道的概念已经在人类的潜意识里烙下了印。但是，我们却忘了为什么而努力，到最后落得筋疲力尽，对自己的办事能力感到沮丧，更糟的是，藉着成就和奖励，把工作变成了偶像。
好消息是，神的旨意是要我们在生活的各方面都能茁壮成长。祂也给了我们所需要的工具，才华及天赋。我们想要做的事，若是没有得到上帝的祝福，是毫无意义的。不论你的职业是医生还是园丁，所做的一切必须是讨上帝欢喜的，所以我们才要寻求神祝福我们的工作（诗篇90：17）。神会用不同的方式奖励那些辛勤工作的人，若是你对待工作保持正确的态度，成果绝对是你应得的 （诗篇128：2）。
我可以向你保证，前面的路并不好走。你一定会面临一些挑战或被拒绝。你也有可能开始质疑这份工作是否适合自己，或者当苦难来临时，开始问神在哪里。同样的，全职在教会侍奉不代表你不会面临难题，实际上要面对的困难可能要比你所想象的多！就算你现在感到彷徨，也要把问题交托给神。跟神约定你一定会坚持到底，而祂也会为你开一条出路（箴言16：3）。不要担心，我们的生命里都会受到一些苦难，但是我确信神将在你所面对的状况里，彰显自己。
“你们无论做什么，都要从心里去做，像是为主做的，不是为人做的；因为你们知道，你们将要从主那里得到继业为报偿；你们当服事主基督。”
( 歌罗西书 3:23-24)
最后，我想用这段经文鼓励及祝福大家，不论你做什么，你都是在用上帝赐给你的礼物。如果你有好好利用祂所给你的才华，你便已向上帝证明了你爱祂、敬拜祂。我们或许无法马上看到我们因行善而得到的回报，但是它们总会来到的。别放弃! 坚持不懈就是关键。