October 19, 2018
Learning to Love My Work
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23, NIV).
Friend to Friend
Isn’t it amazing to think God has fashioned a “work” for each one of us to do? We often assume God is only interested in “church work.” Nothing could be further from the truth.
When Jesus lived on earth, He spent most of His time outside the temple walls, with people. He visited their homes, their workplaces, their parties – their lives. Jesus wanted to be with people. We need to have that same attitude when it comes to the workplace. God has placed you in your job for many reasons.
We all want to be successful in our work. Your office may be downtown or just inside your front door. Your work clothes may be a Casper suit or jeans and t-shirt. You may be paid in cash or with crayon drawings and sticky kisses. None of these things makes us successful in the work place. Success in the work place is not determined by where we work…but by how we work.
The Worker’s 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He reminds me to pray, before I speak in anger.
He restores my sanity.
He guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mail, system failures, copier jams,
back-ordered supplies, unrealistic deadlines, staff shortages, budget
cutbacks, red tape, downsizing, gossiping co-workers and whining customers,
I won't give up, for You are with me.
Your presence, peace and power will see me through.
You raise me up, even when the boss fails to promote me.
You claim me as your own, even when the company threatens to let me go.
Your loyalty and love are better than a bonus check.
Your retirement plan beats any 401K, and when it's all said and done,
I'll be working for you a whole lot longer!
(Author unknown)
God is Lord of all – or He is not Lord at all! Yet, we often fail to yield certain parts of life to His control. The reality is that 95% surrender is still 5% short. God wants everything we are or ever hope to be. Making Him Lord is the only way He can fully accomplish His plan and purpose in our lives. And until He is Lord, we will never be contented.
The workplace is a common area of life where we find it easy to live out our own agendas. For some reason, we seem to think that once we sit down at our desk, report for duty, or clock in, we enter a “No God Allowed” zone. How sad – when He stands ready and waiting to not only equip and empower us to be the best employee we can be, but desires to pour out His blessings upon our work.
An even greater opportunity and blessing comes when God uses us in the workplace to share Him and His message of love and restoration with those who are seeking Him. God strategically places us on a chosen mission field called “job.” A fellow employee needs to see a godly response to unfair criticism. A boss needs to witness the quiet, gracious spirit of submission – even in the face of a difficult job change. A fully devoted follower may be the only person who reaches out and ministers to someone in need. Make no mistake, friend. Everyone on the job is watching to see if we are “the real deal.” It may be the most important “sermon” they ever hear.
I challenge you to do your work “unto Him” and see what He does in and through a life committed to making Him Lord of all. Today, celebrate the mission field called “work” and ask God to use you in a great way.
Let’s Pray
Lord, forgive me for my attitude about my work. Today, I choose to see my workplace as an altar upon which I lay my service as a sacrifice of praise for all You have done in my life. Help me love my co-workers in a way that makes them know there is a God. Help me encourage my boss when he/she is overwhelmed. Use my voice and the words I speak to turn hearts toward You and Your love. Build in me the discipline I need to be a stellar employee who honors You and pleases You in the workplace.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
- What do you see as your main purpose in your present workplace?
- Are you happy in your job? Why? Why not?
- Examine your heart attitude about your job. What changes need to be made?
- Think of one person you work with that needs your love and encouragement. Plan to encourage that person in some way this week.
More from the Girlfriends
Mary’s book, 10-Day Trust Adventure, will help you surrender every part of your life to God. This decision is the basis for you to truly trust God. Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through E-mail, Twitter, Instagram, Shopify, or on Facebook.
Seeking God?
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Click here to learn more about hosting a Girlfriends in God conference in your area or having one of the GiGs speak at your next women's event.
Originally published Friday, 19 October 2018.
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