Working for the Lord

Our jobs take a lot of time, energy and attention. We don't have much choice - we have to work to pay our way in this world, to pay for food, shelter and many other necessities, and hopefully we have some left over for a pleasure, hobby or luxury. I feel like too many of us, even we Christians, compartmentalize our lives: We think of work as one part of our lives, our family as another part, church as another part, etc.

But it should ALL be devoted to God. God wants all of us, not just a part of us. In particular, with as much of our time, energy and attention as we need to devote to our jobs, we should devote our jobs to God. If you feel led to serve the Lord directly, doing something like preaching or missionary work, go for it. But, if you feel led in another direction, devote that work to God too. If you work for the electric company, then do your job the best you can to provide the power that your fellow humans need. If you work in a bakery, do your job the best you can, so that your fellow humans can find joy in the products you make. Whatever you do, do your best, be honest, and treat the people with whom you come in contact with respect, humility and compassion.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." -Colossians 3:23-24

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." -Ecclesiastes 9:10

"For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow." -II Thessalonians 3:7-9

Turn over a new leaf, starting tomorrow. Look at your job in a new way. Think of your job as serving the Lord, no matter what it is! You will find it more enjoyable, less stressful, and you'll find fulfillment in knowing you are serving the Lord and society to the best of your ability.