Learning to Work God's Way
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NLT) Even while we were with you, we gave you this rule, "Whoever does not work should not eat."
Labor Day is a U.S. national holiday that “pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers” (www.history.com). It’s a day to recognize the sacrifices of the labor force, but only a few who work know how to find the keys to success or actually achieve true success.
God clearly wants us to work. From the beginning of time man has had a job (Genesis 2:15) and God has committed to bless the good work we do (Psalm 90:17). So, it’s our job to figure out how to successfully complete that work in a way that honors Him.
The attitude and motivations we bring to the tasks God gives us matters. The primary keys to success are found in the intentions of our hearts.
What does it mean to work at something with all of our hearts and why should we go hungry if we don’t work? Well, labor, or work, is honorable. The work we do has the potential to build our character in us and impacts others. When we work well we demonstrate our gratitude to God for all that He has provided.
God is particularly interested in how we do what we do. Our hearts govern our hands. When we willingly submit to the authority of His plan for the quality of our work, and recognize the value of the work, we find pleasure in the most mundane tasks.
Those who don’t work, or are lazy about their work, exploit other people. Think about it. Somebody has to complete the task:
- to wash the toilet
- cook the dinner
- write the report
- change the tire
The person who doesn’t complete the job well, or refuses to work at it at all, leaves a burden for others (and likely brings trouble on herself!). That’s not how we show love for other people and it’s certainly not the way we demonstrate love and honor to God. Why should we expect gain from doing little or nothing? Why should others be hindered and potentially become overwhelmed because we won’t manage our responsibilities? That’s neither kind nor right.
The keys to success are rooted in the care we take to complete the work and in the people we effect with our work. We demonstrate that care when we:
- pay attention to the details of the task
- consider ways to work more efficiently
- work from a sense of gratitude
- become examples of excellence to others
- protect and respect the tasks and the people associated with the work
- submit to and honor those in charge
- work cooperatively with others to benefit the work
- recognize the privilege God gives us to work
- balance work with rest and refreshment
It doesn’t matter if our work is in the home, in an office, on the street or on a computer, the keys to success are the same. Instead of begrudging the tasks, we can submit them to the Father who will provide directions, resources, stamina and blessings. Our keys to success reside in our hearts.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for the privilege of work. Help us to remember that our hearts govern our hands and determine how we do the work You’ve given us. We want to honor you with every task.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Live well,
Michele
Thank you for this reminder today Chele. Lord, please let me honor You with every task! Amen.
Thank you for the timely reminder. I am passing this on for others to read. Blessings to you.
Sister Michele,
This message warms my heart and reminds me of the years when my only son was going through challenging years and did not want to work and was totally off track on his life’s journey. His paternal grandmother, a humble, righteous woman of God who has gone home, would always gently say, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.” I would repeat this to him over the years. Although it took him a minute, he internalized the Lord’s Words, and today, Praise God, he’s a responsible, blessed Christian, family man who believes in working. Thanks for reminding me of this beautiful little story and the Master’s Words.