Finding satisfying work
We can find rewarding activity by more deeply understanding our permanent relationship to God.
In the Holy Bible, the book of Isaiah states, “Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands” (65:22). The concept of finding perpetual enjoyment through our work may seem unrealistic. Yet Christian Science assures us that we truly can find fulfillment and satisfaction in what we do. My study of this Science has enabled me to discover a spiritual perspective regarding employment, one that helps me navigate changes in my work.
Whether we are seeking work, embarking on a new job, or enjoying a fruitful career, we can all benefit from trusting that God, divine Mind, is guiding and governing our lives. Isaiah delivers another promise, “Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (30:21).
We find God’s ever-present guidance through prayer. Prayer purifies and transforms our thinking, enabling us to let go of rigid human plans and permit God, or Mind, to reveal practical solutions for any need in our lives, including employment. “Immortal ideas, pure, perfect, and enduring, are transmitted by the divine Mind through divine Science, which corrects error with truth and demands spiritual thoughts, divine concepts, to the end that they may produce harmonious results,” states “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of The Christian Science Monitor (p. 259).
Man – all of us, as the reflection, or emanation, of God – expresses the intelligence and vitality of Mind. In the Gospel of John, Christ Jesus says, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (5:17). Jesus understood that his Father, God, was the source of all true ability and activity.
Some years ago I felt that a change in employment would be a good step. I applied for a position where I thought my qualifications and work-experience would be a good fit. After an interview, which went well, I awaited the outcome.
A week later, I heard that I would not be hired for the position. Initially I felt some disappointment. However, I was familiar with the passage from Science and Health cited earlier and began to pray with some of its ideas. I reasoned that the “immortal ideas’’ transmitted by God were perpetual and, if prayerfully heeded and acted upon, would lead to “harmonious results” in terms of satisfying employment.
It became clear that what I really needed at that time was not a change in employment but a clearer understanding that God is the true employer, the source of all purpose and activity. I realized that contentment and satisfaction do not depend on having a particular job or career. Contentment flows freely from God to each of us at all times.
I continued to pray and felt at peace whilst enjoying the work in front of me. Within a few months, opportunities opened up in my field that led to more expansive and rewarding activity. I was genuinely grateful that I had not been offered the position I had previously applied for.
It sometimes appears that the only way to progress in our career is to have the right connections – to know the right people in a particular business or organization. Christian Science has taught me that the most important connection we have is with God, the one divine Mind. Our relationship to God is permanent and unbreakable.
Our work is not an activity that takes place independently of God. Rather, the good that we do can be seen as an outcome, or expression, of God. If adjustments in our employment are desired, we can trust Mind – who is all-knowing and all-wise – to direct those adjustments in an orderly and harmonious manner.
As we understand and cherish our indissoluble relationship to God, we naturally let go of fear and selfishness and express greater patience, creativity, and reliability – qualities that we can bring to whatever job we have. In looking to God, we find joy in service to others and a secure foundation for continued progress in our careers.