Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Colossians 3:23 (NLT)
“This just isn’t working out.” The words hung in the air. It was early in the morning and my boss had called me into her office immediately when I got to work that day. The words pierced me. But, I also knew that they were true. That job was not a good fit for me. Not because there was anything wrong with the job itself. It was because I didn’t like it. So, I didn’t give it my best. As a result, it wasn’t being done very well. I don’t blame my boss for firing me. The blame rested solely with me.
I didn’t think much of it at the time. I simply looked for another, better job – one that made me feel good about coming to work each day. A job where I could give it my all.
But, here’s the issue. We aren’t supposed to just trudge through our days at work. We are supposed to do everything in our power to be successful, no matter the job. We are called to give it our all every day. As our verse today says, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord.” Let’s put that in simple terms. Our work life is a form of worship. No, we don’t worship the job, but the way we approach our jobs is a reflection on Jesus. I know, it’s a stretch. Bear with me.
Let’s look at this from a different angle. As the Bible teaches, our lives are supposed to be a living testimony of Christ’s love in us, then pouring through us into others. If the only glimpse of Jesus your coworkers or boss gets each day is someone who is tired, grumpy, and does the minimum in their efforts, what does that say about God?
Having been a manager for over 15 years, here’s what it would look like to me. If Christians are supposed to be a reflection of God, and I’m constantly harping on them because they are late, do poor work, don’t get along with their coworkers, and are disrespectful to me or other managers, I would get a glimpse of God that is not favorable. I would see no difference between a Christian worker and anyone else who generally hates life. Get the picture?
Each day at work, as you clock in for the day, say a prayer. Thank God for the job you have. Ask Him to help you thrive in it so that He may receive the glory due to Him.
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