This week’s devotions are based on Week 9 of the Series Ephesians: Becoming Who You Are (CLICK HERE)
Chances are many of you who are reading this are off to work this morning. Perhaps for some, you really enjoy your work and can’t wait to get at it every morning. For others, you may be dreading your day and maybe others are counting down the days to retirement. Sometimes work can be seen as a “necessary evil” to provide an income to allow for paying for things of life for you and your family.
Work is not always easy. Personalities rub you the wrong way. Hours can get long. Work seems unfulfilling at times. Office culture is draining. Perhaps we wish we didn’t have to work.
Today is a good time to allow God to speak into the reality of work in our lives. Like with many blessings the Lord gives, sin can mess up the blessing and make it drudgery. So what’s the answer?
Paul speaks to slaves. Slavery was part of the social structure in his day and while some slavery perhaps was similar to American slavery, slaves also could be in that condition because of debt, enemies of the country, or other reasons. Paul is not speaking to the morality of slavery, but rather encouraging slaves in their status. The direction he gives them helps to guide us as employees. Here’s what Paul gives in Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
The reminder Paul gives is that a slave is first serving the Lord, then his master. The same is true whatever work you have to do today. You are first serving the Lord, then the company or people you work for. So here’s a few summary points as you show up for work today:
- Work hard throughout your day…you are serving the Lord
- You may like or not like your boss…but work with sincerity of heart as you would if Christ were your boss.
- Don’t just work hard when your boss is watching, but do your best at all times with a heart that desires to honor the Lord through your work.
- If your supervisor doesn’t always notice or reward you for your hard work, it’s ok, the Lord will reward you for the good work you do!
If you are in the position of leadership, take these words to heart: Ephesians 6:9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Be Christ to those you lead. Treat those you lead with love and respect as Christ has treated you!
So whatever work you have to do today, tackle it with joy and enthusiasm as it is an opportunity for you to serve the Lord and be a blessing to the people around you as you do!
Apply: What can you do differently today at work to shift your mindset and heart to work for the Lord instead of just working for your company?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of work. May I show up today and give my best simply to reflect you in my workplace! AMEN