Working for God

As we approach the grind of the "American dream", I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 15:58. God calls us to work, in fact, the concept of "work" is referenced over 800 times in the Bible! In our hustle and demands, we can lose ourselves in it all. Lack of healthy boundaries and forgetting the purpose of our work can lead to burnout. Or worse, we can either sell our soul to our job in exchange for a paycheck or for approval, placing our worth in our output rather than in God. I am guilty of this in both of these categories.

When we enter our work, remember why God called you to do what you do.

The other day, I witnessed a man sucking out the sewer at our local target - let me say that being called to that job seems like it is called from anything other than God, bless that man! But he did not seem troubled about doing this humble yet very necessary job. I even saw him smile at a customer as they entered the store. Does he know the Lord? I do not know. However, based on how hard he was working and that he took time to smile while doing it, tells me that did not think of his job as a waste of time or a waste of effort.

Challenge:

This week, as you start your day of work, consider why you are doing what you are doing:

• Is it for God?

• Is it for furthering His kingdom?

• Are you being the best version of you?

• Does your work honor God?

• Are you an example of Jesus when you interact with colleagues or clients?

• Do others know who you worship by your actions in the workplace?

  
  

  If not, take time to reflect, considering how you will change this. This could be as simple as changing your attitude. Or it could be complicated, in which you need to consider changing jobs and/or your environment. Regardless, prayer should be the foundation of this self-reflection.

Prayer:

ADONAI, please use us through our work to further Your Kingdom. Please help us be an example of Jesus in our interactions with colleagues and those we serve, even though that can be really hard at times. Father God, on challenging days and in the mundane, please help us recall this verse from 1 Corinthians so that we remember that our work is not in vain and that it is for You. Please keep us from losing ourselves in the earthly demands of work and instead help us find our worth in You alone. Lastly, please help us love others as You love us. Amen.