Thursday, August 10, 2023
Do you ever experience times when the week feels endless, but then the weekend feels like it passes by in seconds? In our society, sadly, many of us experience a relentless cycle of dreading Monday as we start the weekend, and counting the days until Friday when Monday arrives. However, when we view work through a biblical lens, our perspective of its significance changes. We each were appointed by God to our specific jobs because we were called and made for different purposes in the Kingdom of God. However, we have one common purpose—to do our best work as if we were working for the Lord—because we are. He sees our hard work and makes sure that it is not in vain.
God provides a variety of possibilities to mature in Christ through our work. Because we spend so much time there, we have ample opportunity to shine the light of Christ on our colleagues. And, although we may not realize it, the way we act toward our coworkers and bosses may also plant seeds of faith in their hearts.
God can teach us many things on the job, including patience and perseverance as we navigate various challenges. We can count it as joy when we face these trials, because God uses them as stepping stones to further his purpose and refine us—and those we work with—from the inside out.
We’re also given the opportunity to grow in integrity. In Colossians, Paul teaches that we should not only do good when our masters are watching us, but also when they are not. We are not just accountable to an earthly boss. We are held accountable to our Heavenly Father who rejoices when we follow his will and live righteously in our daily lives.
Colossians 3:22-23
22 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. 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
The practice of working for our worldly bosses here on earth is a representation of how we as Jesus followers obey and follow the commands of our Father in heaven. It teaches us love, patience, selflessness, integrity, and so many more Christian principles we are to live out each day. Let us rest knowing that while we may not see the results of our work presently, God uses this work to achieve the best result of all — to bring ourselves and others close to him.
Questions:
What can you do at the workplace to show the love of God to others?
How can we remember that, in our daily lives, we are working for the Lord and not just our earthly bosses?
Next Steps:
Each day this week, brainstorm a way that you can make a positive impact on those around you at work.
Pray each morning before work, asking God to give you opportunities to show his love to others.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thanks for giving us an opportunity to grow in you through our work. Help us to be strong and courageous in the workplace, and to spread your love and grace to everyone that we encounter. Remind us that we are not only working for our earthly masters, but that we are ultimately working for you. Let us share your grace and peace with those around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Colossians 1:23
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.