Work
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Work. We all have to put our hands to something in this life. Whether it’s working in corporate America, being a stay at home mom, being an entrepreneur and owning a business, working in ministry, being a teacher, nurse, etc…...it’s all the same really. We work, we eat, we sleep, we play, and do it over and over again until the end of our time here on earth. I’ve heard people say quite a bit recently “All you have to do is show up to be a successful employee”. As a manager myself, I would definitely say I agree with this! Please show up. But the bigger question is HOW do you show up? I love this scripture in Colossians and I cling to it in my own daily walk. I admit. I have not always shown up the way I believe I should. I will be the first to raise my hand and say I have shown up to work with a posture of can’t-do, especially when I’m tired. We all are human and get tired, frustrated and feel overwhelmed at times and have seasons that are hard.
The scripture says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Colossians 3:23 NIV. He is our master, He gives us this life and the ability to work at whatever it is we are doing. If we posture our hearts with a can-do attitude and have gratitude for the work the Lord has given us, what would that do? How would we impact all the people around us? What difference would a simple smile make? And yes, this applies even to virtual and phone - you can hear the smile! How would dedicating your work to the Lord as your ultimate boss change your relationship with your work boss, employees, coworkers, clients, children, and believers? Or more importantly, non believers in Christ? If we keep our eyes on him, and do all we do each day being grateful for our work - WOW! What a difference that would make!
I have to admit - I write this from a place of exhaustion from work and life’s challenges, but this scripture energizes me to move forward with a fresh new attitude postured with gratitude to work for Him and not man!
Father thank you for the work you have given each of us to do. For those who don’t have work and are looking for a job, or that next adventure - I pray you help them find their place in this world to do their work unto you. Thank you for holding us up with Your living word when we need it most! Amen!
Ilustrated by Haley Punjak
Edited by Rachel Harmening