Why Work Ecclesiastes 3 9 15 Graeme Sterne

Frustrations associated with work • It is burdensome Ecc. 3 10 • It has

So, what does the worker gain from work? Ecc. 3: 9 • Satisfaction of

But what is produced for eternity? • What will last? • What will be

God has put eternity into our hearts but we cannot understand it Ecc 3:

So, why am I doing all this work? • • To make a living

Along the way, something very important is happening • I am serving God –

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Why Work? Ecclesiastes 3: 9 -15 Graeme Sterne, 2006

Frustrations associated with work • It is burdensome Ecc. 3 10 • It has its challenges • It has doubtful eternal consequence • It isn’t always valued • Sometimes the credit for it goes to the wrong place

So, what does the worker gain from work? Ecc. 3: 9 • Satisfaction of a job well done – quality • Satisfaction for completion • Satisfaction of seeing others helped • Doing something needed (significance) • Doing something constructive • Creating openings for people • Good utilization of resources

But what is produced for eternity? • What will last? • What will be remembered? • What difference will you have made? • Are you doing God’s will? If you look for eternity in your work you will be disappointed

God has put eternity into our hearts but we cannot understand it Ecc 3: 11 • We are shaped for a relationship with God • We feel it inside of us • But when we search for this relationship we cannot fathom God’s ways • At least, not by looking within… “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29: 13

So, why am I doing all this work? • • To make a living (it’s part of my job) It is how I get my perks It develops me It opens doors for me It provides for my future I am using God-given talents It is an extension of who I am I gain status from it

Along the way, something very important is happening • I am serving God – He placed me here • I am serving other people • I am expressing love • I am speaking His word into situations • I am demonstrating kingdom values • I am making disciples N. B. How many of these things are eternal?