EDITORIAL | KAIROS GLOBAL | JULY 2022

Author: Dr. Chackochan J Njavallil

WORK

There is an interesting reason that motivates all living things – hunger. It is hunger that moves everything; the most fundamental reason for all action and effort by all living beings. 

Imagine a situation where hunger ceased to exist for humans or animals. There would not be a need for people to work and exert themselves. No one would have to work to survive or to progress. Though such a situation might seem interesting and attractive for a while – a few days or weeks – it would eventually result in boredom. 

Even before creation God knew it. That is why he commanded in Genesis 3:19, by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to ground. 

But today work situations are changing, becoming increasingly challenging. There is significant increase in the use and extent of technology, need to work long hours, diversity in workplace, absence of permanency, need to relocate and migrate for work, tremendous increase in work pressure, problems related to balancing work and life, greater challenges to the concept of family due to extended work-related periods of separation of spouses, workplace politics, etc.

Many workers suddenly become obsolete due to sudden and drastic changes in technology, requirement for continuous learning, updating, and upskilling, and so on.

The question is how can one remain content and happy in the workplace? The best thing to do is to always learn, continue to grow, be adaptable, be flexible and thus develop yourself. Also it is important to learn to handle disappointments in the workplace. One may become the subject of partiality, prejudice and even victims of office politics. One may be unnecessarily ignored, a less deserving colleague may get disproportionate privileges, etc.

One thought and conviction which helped me significantly was that God knows me in and out thoroughly. He has got an excellent plan for me and surely, it is a plan for my wellbeing. I firmly believe that whatever happens in my life, including work, is with the knowledge of the good God who takes care of me. Here, I am not overly concerned, disappointed or disheartened. One should also not forget to take all possible ethical steps to make sure one is progressing. 

I am sure that this issue of Kairos Global will present you with plenty of material to help navigate your life and work more effectively.