“Work with enthusiasm, as working for the Lord rather than people.” Ephesians 6:7 NLT
“God provides a way for you to redeem your daily work and make it a holy endeavor.”
My thoughts today are to “consecrate your work.”
Have you wondered why they call a job “work?” I think it’s because it usually is. A goodly portion of every day for the better part of your years will be occupied with work. You might as well make that time pleasant and productive. Work can either be a necessity, something that you do because you have to do so – become a drudgery, something you have to do but really don’t want to do – or be a fulfilling joy, an activity and place where you find it a privilege to serve. There may be times the experience is likely a combination of any of those on different days.
Work was not God’s punishment for Adam’s sin, as some suppose when they read God’s words to him, “you shall eat bread by the sweat of your brow“ Genesis 3:19. Yes, the toil of work resulted from man’s disregard of God’s provision as not enough, but God appointed work itself to man earlier than original sin. “The Lord God took the man and placed him in a garden to work it and watch over it” Genesis 2:15. Have you ever noticed where man was to be employed? In a garden! A place of plenty and beauty. A place created by God, blessed by God, and frequented by Him.
It seems that the difference is whether you are in God’s employ or simply trying to put bread on the table. If God first ordained His creation to know and enjoy meaningful employment in partnership with Him, would He not provide a way for you to redeem your daily work and make it a holy endeavor, rather than a lifelong burden or struggle? The answer, of course, is yes!
The first step to redeeming daily work is: consecrate your work to God. “Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men” Ephesians 6:7. Do not depreciate those for whom you work. They are God’s point of supply for meeting your daily needs. But look above and beyond them to the Lord, Who is your Source. Never fail to appreciate the supply, nor confuse that with your Source.
Next, gain a Godly attitude about your work. Let your daily work be a holy service to God and man. “As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” Ephesians 6:6-7 NLT.
Also, understand the purpose of work. “Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need” Ephesians 4:28 NLT. Honest work is to provide for your needs, and to supply the means to share generously with others. The goal is not merely to get more, but to give as well.
Then, honor those who employ you and work alongside you. You best accomplish that by thankfulness for the opportunity given and by giving the best of your effort and diligence to serve them. “Obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ” Ephesians 6:5 NLT.
Be realistic. The workplace is not a perfect place with perfect people, or you might not fit there. But you can consecrate your work as service to the Lord and enjoy His blessing and favor daily. Be the best boss or employee that you can be, “as unto the Lord.”
My prayer for you today is for your life to be a joyful service to God.