It’s amazing how much work ethic we have if we know the boss is watching. But whether or not our employer is watching, we know our God is always watching. As Christians, we do what we do, not just for a paycheck and benefits, but even the way we work should bring glory and honor to God.
If we live out this truth, it will completely transform how we work. I believe out of all the people on the planet, followers of Jesus should have the highest work ethic.
Listen to Colossians 3:23-24 - “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Did you catch it? We are just working for the boss. We are not just trying to please our employer, he said we are working for the Lord…and if we do so, God makes us a promise: we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Wow! That’s amazing!
I have two teenage daughters who recently entered the workforce. They are getting an education as to what it’s like out there. They are noticing that most people want to get paid as much as possible for doing the least amount of work.
If we live in obedience to God’s Word, if we these verses from Colossians 3 our guide, it will change how we work.
William Barclay said it this way, “It is the conviction of every Christian worker that what he produces must be good enough to show God.”
It is possible for teachers to educate children, for doctors to treat patients and nurses to care for them, for lawyers to help clients, for store clerks to serve customers, for accountants to audit books, and for assistants to make phone calls as if in every case they were serving Jesus Christ.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 says “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…”
As a teenager I began working in a local grocery store bagging groceries and bringing in carts. I remember my parents telling me to be the best employee they have ever seen.
Why? Because we do what we do for the Lord. I’m accountable, not just to the boss, but to God for how I live. My life is a reflection of Christ. My work ethic is a reflection of Christ. How I work when the boss is not present is a reflection of Christ.
We tend to think that little things don’t matter. Hudson Taylor, the great 19th century pioneer missionary to China once said, “A little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in a little thing is a big thing to God.”
We work with integrity because we represent Christ. Honor God with your work ethic.
Today’s Challenge: Serve God faithfully in your current context. God to work with a completely different mindset. Work for God. Use your gifts. Be the best employee you can be for God. Let your light shine through your work ethic. As you do, you’ll bring glory to your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
