Day 21 — With All Your Might

“Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might…”

— Ecclesiastes 9:10 (BSB)

Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: work is good. It was God’s idea from the very beginning. Before sin ever came into the world, God gave Adam work to do in the Garden: caring for it and tending it. God Himself works: creating, providing, caring for His world.

So when you work hard, you’re being like your Father.

Solomon gives a simple rule for work: “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might.”

Not halfway. Not the bare minimum. Not complaining the whole time. With all your might.

As guys grow up, they get more responsibility. More chores. More homework. Maybe a first job, like mowing lawns, shoveling snow or helping a neighbor. Those are all chances to practice working with all your might.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Do it right the first time. Don’t rush through the job and leave a mess.
• Do it without being reminded. That’s a huge step toward being a man.
• Finish what you start.
• Work hard even when no one is watching. Remember, you’re really working for God.
• Do the boring jobs well too. Cleaning your room matters as much as the fun projects.
• Don’t complain. A cheerful worker is a great blessing to everyone around him.

Working with all your might now builds something important in you: character. The habits you build doing chores and homework at eleven are the same habits you’ll bring to your job at twenty-five. Men who work hard, keep their word and finish the job are men people can count on.

And here’s a secret: doing hard work well feels good. There’s a special kind of joy in finishing a job and knowing you did your best.

Think about it: What job or chore do you usually do halfway? What would it look like to do it with all your might?

Try this: Pick one chore this week and do it with all your might, without being asked, and better than you’ve ever done it before.

Dear God, thank You that work is Your good idea. Help me do whatever I find to do with all my might: my chores, my schoolwork and every job I’m given. Help me work hard even when no one is watching, because I’m working for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.