WORK UNTO GOD
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
Colossians 3:22-24 (NLT)
I recently had the opportunity to work at a job unrelated to my experience or education. Due to my lack of knowledge in this field, I often called my boss to ask questions concerning how to carry out my work responsibilities. If something came up where I was unsure of the next step, then I would call the boss to ask how he would handle that situation. There would have been problems if I had said, I’ve got this, while ignoring the direction of my boss. I wanted to fulfill the boss’ wishes, but I couldn’t do so without continually consulting him.
Working as though I’m working for the Lord involves continually consulting my heavenly Father and depending on Him for guidance because He knows the best way to carry out the work to achieve His purposes. That also means I’ll do my best to carry out the wishes of my earthly boss unless it conflicts with the wishes of my heavenly Boss.
Recognizing who is in charge is key to finding meaning in my work. Whether I work for myself or someone else, I can realize a greater purpose to my work when I have the perspective that I’m really working for my Lord Jesus Christ.
If I do my work for the Lord, I’ll be motivated to serve the One who loves me so much that He died for me.
If I work for the Lord, I won’t be tempted to work differently when the boss isn’t present because my Lord is always with me.
If the Lord is my boss, I’ll sincerely do my best to please Him because He’s the most powerful being in the universe.
If I’m working for the Lord, I’ll be eager to work willingly and faithfully regardless of my pay because I’ll be trusting Jesus to provide an eternal reward more than just focusing on earthly pay.
If I work for the Lord in everything I do, anybody should be glad to have me on their team because I’ll do my best to serve willingly, faithfully and with high integrity. What employer doesn’t want to hire someone like that?
APPLICATION:
Consider your current volunteer or paid working roles. Note three ways your thoughts and performance might be different if you viewed yourself as working for the Lord rather than for people.
PRAYER:
Ask God to put thoughts in your mind today of how He wants you to work. Ask Him what He wants you to do today.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?