Theme of the Week: Work as Divine Calling
Bible Verse: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 9: 1-17
My first job wasn’t a lot of fun. It was a summer job in a lumber yard stacking wood all day in the scorching heat, getting up at 5:30 am to take a bus and subway just to get there. As a carnal 16-year-old, I could think of better ways to spend my summer. But it was a job, and one that my father helped me get through his business connections so I knew I better do a good job, or I would hear from my father.
I had no idea at the time how that experience would shape me and help me in the future. It certainly helped me appreciate future jobs as they couldn’t be any worse than the lumber yard. At the time I was simply working for a paycheck, but I did want to do a good job so my dad would be pleased. The last thing I wanted was the boss telling my dad that I was a terrible worker. I wanted to please my father.
Fast forward many years, and now a Christian, I realize that whatever work I do, I’m doing it to please my heavenly father. God created us in his own image, and he created us to work. The Bible tells us that “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” When we think about work, we first think of our job but work also refers to anything we put our hands to. It can be a project around the house, serving at church, or playing a sport, whatever you do, do it for the Lord.
We should see work as a divine calling and an opportunity to display God’s glory, no matter what we do. It’s an opportunity to show others the heart of God and His grace. It’s an opportunity to display godly integrity in a world of compromise. An opportunity to display a strong work ethic in a world of mediocrity, and express joy and patience with those who can’t find joy in their work.
When we see the work we do as a ministry God has called us to and understand that Jesus is our boss regardless of who does our annual review, we’ll find true purpose, meaning and joy in our work.
Join us this week as we explore how work is a blessing from God and not a curse. Our work is a means to worship and emulate our God. Invite your friends to join us also by sharing this devotional with them. If you have not subscribed to our daily devotionals to receive daily in your email, you can do so here.
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