You Won’t Take Your Job to Heaven

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces, perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

- Romans 5:3-4

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[Copied from Rick Warren’s Daily Devotional]

You’re not taking your job to heaven.  You’re not taking some gold watch or achievement award to heaven.  You’re taking YOU, so you want to build your character because God is more interested in what you become rather what you do.

Look again at today’s verse because some people have a misunderstanding about temptation.  They think that, once they become a Christian, they should be beyond temptation.

It’s important to realize you will never outgrow temptation.  In fact, the closer you are to God, the more you become and enemy of Satan, and the more he will try to tempt you.  The good news is that God gives you greater strength to resist it.

When you are tempted at work – to be unkind, to get angry, to be prideful or greedy – remember that every temptation is not only an opportunity to do good but, it’s also and opportunity to grow in character.

For example, when you encounter an annoying co-worker, the temptation may be for you to get upset with that person.  But the Bible says to bless those who curse you and pray for those who offend you.  So instead of getting mad, use it as an opportunity to praise God.

First, Satan will get annoyed that you’re praising God.  The more you praise God, the less Satan will use that as a temptation in your life.

Second, you’ll find yourself naturally growing in godly character as you apply God’s Word to your life.

[Journal entry: April 8, 2012]