Fun Work

    by Brent Ndiffer

        Professor Basil L. Gildersleeve of Johns Hopkins University was once interviewed for The Saturday Evening Post. At the time, the elderly professor was considered the greatest Greek scholar in the nation, and his work had been honored by numerous organizations and societies around the world.

        The interviewer asked Professor Gildersleeve what he considered to be the highest award or compliment he had ever received. He thought for a moment, and then replied, "I believe it was when one of my students said, 'Professor, you have so much fun with your own mind!"

        Behavioral researchers have discovered that when people enjoy their work and feel it meaningful, they are more productive, more open to improvement, and are more concerned about the quality of their work. As their levels of productivity and quality rise, they become more efficient and actually begin to earn more money -- either through promotions, pay raises, or a broader costomer base. As their income increases, they tend to enjoy their work even more!

        Not only in work, but also in play, we should be having fun. To love what we do and feel that it matters -- how could anything be more fun? Enjoyment out of life is essential. Psalm 128:2 illustrates this truth when we read, "When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you" (NKJV).

        For the Christian to be effective and productive people, we should find fun and pleasure despite the rigors of life. Knowing that God made us a certain way for his purposes (Psalm 139:13-16), knowing that he is at work in our lives through our experiences (Romans 8:28), and knowing that he has gifted us to do certain things for the Kingdom (1 Peter 4:10-12) reminds us to find his plan for us, do it well, and have fun doing it! Find something you sincerely enjoy doing, then do it well and go all out!

    Posted: 07/15/2000
    URL: http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200007/20000715_funwork.html

    Copyright (c) 2000, Timely Truths Ministries. Used by permission.

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