Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 28, 2017
Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve. Colossians 3:23-24, Amplified Bible
During my career transition 18 months ago, I realized–though my title was changing my general job description remained the same: Integrate my experience and expertise into my new work environment in order to love people! Yes! So I asked the Lord,“How would you like for me to apply my relational skills and my gift of generosity at my new job?” What does it look like? Immediately there were opportunities to sit with fellow team members, and with fresh eyes, understand their pain points, carefully offering solutions that might bring short term relief and long term resolution. An opportunity to join God where He is already working is so fulfilling!
What does it mean to work for the Lord? Is helping people one way to work for the Lord? Absolutely! Since Jesus is our Master, our heart’s desire should be to master our work in a way that honors Christ. Notice, Paul does not say to be a master over people, but to serve our Master by serving people. So if our boss, client or team member is harsh or unreasonable, we can die to our need to be right and respected. We can remember we work for our Master Jesus, who already accepts and loves us. We are free indeed knowing the best job reward comes from our Lord.
“The Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God” (Ezra 6:22).
Have you elevated the importance of your work to work for the Lord? If so, what is your greater purpose for what you do? Perhaps you seek the one co-worker others shun because of his inability to relate well to peers. A person who seems irritable all the time may need to feel needed. Ask her to help you on a project, not patronizing but truly discovering what she does well. A colleague who feels valued has a higher probability of adding value. Shrewdly involve a divisive team member who may grow beyond a disruptive enemy to a productive friend.
What does it look like to dedicate your work to the Lord by working for the Lord? Make sure you are diligent in all you do. Those who coast in their career are unable to initiate positive change or overcome challenges. Coasters are the first to go when the work environment gets tough. Also, become a solution looking for a problem to solve. Anyone can complain, but few can offer ideas on how to improve a process or create a better product or service. When you are known as one who does their work for the Lord, you will draw others to the Lord. Define in one sentence what you do for God. Memorize it, memorialize it and make it meaningful for all.
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I committed my work to You, use my diligent heart and hands to point others to Christ, in Jesus’ name. Amen.Application
Who can I reach out to at work who is hard to work with and invite them into a productive working relationship?Related Reading
Genesis 2:3; Proverbs 12:11, 24 13:4; 1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Timothy 2:6Post/Tweet today
When you are known as one who does her work for the Lord, you will draw others to the Lord. #WisdomHunters #workfortheLordWorship Resource
9-minute video- Paul and Hannah McClure: How Great a King If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help. Our free Apple app Our free Wisdom Hunters Podcast Our free Android appComments are closed.
great message. very encouraging.
Dear Wisdom Hunter,
Thank you so much for your encouraging words about “One Sentence Job Description”. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us.
We are thankful that you are a part of the Wisdom Hunter’s family and look forward to hearing from you again.
Blessings,
Gwynne
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us-
yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Psalm 90:17