When I am faced with work to do, I often complain and grumble. I put off doing things I know I will not enjoy. I get frustrated with school and work and things that need to be done. I think of all the ways I could be better spending my time--including spending it with the Lord. When I finally have to get a job done, I admit that the manner in which I do it can be begrudging and half-hearted. Most of us can relate, I imagine. Work is work. We don't always enjoy it.
But today I challenge you to join me in trying to change that begrudging mindset. The Bible tells us that all we do is to be done for the Lord. We don't live under the dominion of our bosses or our teachers, but under Jesus. He is our King and we strive to do only what He requires and asks of us. That does not mean we should disobey and disrespect those who are in authority over us! We are called to live as servants to all, as Christ was for us. But we are first His servants. Maybe sometimes those two things seem to conflict, but under closer examination I find them to go hand and hand.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (ESV)
Luke 22:27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. (ESV)
We may think that we won't be able to serve our bosses and serve the Lord. This is false! Serving Him is living according to His word. He tells us that we are to respect those bosses, teachers, pastors, officers, etc. Do not think that by treating them disrespectfully or condescendingly is "The Lord's will." He put them there-- in whatever position they're in! However, if your boss asks something of you that doesn't align with scripture and Jesus' will for you, that's when we respectfully decline.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (ESV)
One area I can struggle with is wanting to excel in my work. As I said before, I think of all the ways I could be better spending my time and resent the work for getting in the way. Therefore, I am satisfied giving less than my best even though I know it'll come back to bite me. Then when it does, I cry before God for mercy and He delivers me. And usually fixing those things takes even more time than it would have if I had done things properly in the first place!
Ephesians 6:7-8 Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. (ESV)
Titus 2:7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works (ESV)
But the truth is, I shouldn't resent my work. I should be spending my time efficiently for the Lord, even in the work. I should be a shining example of Him in the quality of work I produce. I need to realize that even the work I have to do is preparing me for the future He has for me. I need to remember that it's all for Him and not those people I resentfully want to under-deliver to. I challenge you also today. Work for Him and see how it changes your outlook and perspective and that of those around you!
But today I challenge you to join me in trying to change that begrudging mindset. The Bible tells us that all we do is to be done for the Lord. We don't live under the dominion of our bosses or our teachers, but under Jesus. He is our King and we strive to do only what He requires and asks of us. That does not mean we should disobey and disrespect those who are in authority over us! We are called to live as servants to all, as Christ was for us. But we are first His servants. Maybe sometimes those two things seem to conflict, but under closer examination I find them to go hand and hand.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (ESV)
Luke 22:27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. (ESV)
We may think that we won't be able to serve our bosses and serve the Lord. This is false! Serving Him is living according to His word. He tells us that we are to respect those bosses, teachers, pastors, officers, etc. Do not think that by treating them disrespectfully or condescendingly is "The Lord's will." He put them there-- in whatever position they're in! However, if your boss asks something of you that doesn't align with scripture and Jesus' will for you, that's when we respectfully decline.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (ESV)
One area I can struggle with is wanting to excel in my work. As I said before, I think of all the ways I could be better spending my time and resent the work for getting in the way. Therefore, I am satisfied giving less than my best even though I know it'll come back to bite me. Then when it does, I cry before God for mercy and He delivers me. And usually fixing those things takes even more time than it would have if I had done things properly in the first place!
Ephesians 6:7-8 Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. (ESV)
Titus 2:7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works (ESV)
But the truth is, I shouldn't resent my work. I should be spending my time efficiently for the Lord, even in the work. I should be a shining example of Him in the quality of work I produce. I need to realize that even the work I have to do is preparing me for the future He has for me. I need to remember that it's all for Him and not those people I resentfully want to under-deliver to. I challenge you also today. Work for Him and see how it changes your outlook and perspective and that of those around you!
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