Saturday, July 28, 2012

Who Are You Working For?



“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Colossians 3:23)

I think we all want to feel good and experience a sense of accomplishment about the efforts we make at work and in our daily responsibilities. But there are times when we just feel burned out by work, family, household chores, and other burdens and obligations. I know I certainly struggle balancing work with play! However I also know that I have no control over what my daily responsibilities are, but I do have control over my attitude and response to them. Since the beginning of time, God has given us work to do. And when we lose sight of who it is we are really working for, it can create an attitude of boredom, displeasure, and resentment. If we could work without complaining and keep in mind that we are not working for man (or for our own pleasure!) but for the Lord, we would find our work more enjoyable and even a blessing.

“The harvest is great but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.”  (Matthew 9:37)

No job is too small or insignificant when you have the right motive and attitude. We must work with confidence and determination to be effective, and we should be hope-filled, humble, and thankful for the jobs God has blessed us with. Our work should be a sacrifice unto God, (not for anyone else’s approval!) and when we really put our heart into it our work, it will be transformed into an act of worship for him! There are lots of ways to work for God effectively……
  • Work with enthusiasm (those who lack interest and fervor are ineffective in working for God)

  • Remember who it is you are really working for (all our endeavors should bring glory and honor to Him)

  • Give full effort and energy (we must be trustworthy and give a full, honest day’s work)

  • Work with endurance (we must endure difficulties without being overcome)

  • Be compassionate and supportive to those you work with (give compliments and words of thanks because more people learn about the love of God by our actions and words)

“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people: (Ephesians 6:7)


Our joy in the Lord should be a reflection of our personality at all times, and our work is no exception! It’s important to do a “heart-check” to see whether we are working for our own glory or for God’s. It’s important that we never lose sight of obeying God and following His direction when we are carrying out our daily responsibilities. We must represent ourselves as Christians who delight at giving full energy and effort at all times with a humble spirit of attitude.

“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

12 comments:

  1. Good post Denise. Our attitude is "really" the hard part! Oh to get it right more of the time, huh? LOL

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  2. I need to remember to have a better attitude when I feel overwhelmed by the many menial chores that just never seem to end...I will use that Psalm as a reminder while I work. Thanks you for this reminder Denise. :)
    ~Hugs & God Bless You~
    Lisa

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  3. Easy to get caught up in all of the to do lists and forget who we are really in service to. Hope you have a great weekend Denise.

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  4. Thank you for this reminder, Denise. Often I struggle to get a joyful heart. Why is the world so broken and why have I sometimes such a selfish heart? I am therefore pleased with you blog. Thanks.

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  5. Working with "confidence and determination."

    You could turn your posts into a daily-read book as they help to remind us of our positions in life and what we need to do.

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  6. It has been a year since we have left the states for South Africa and it seems to me our friends have forgotten us. I need to remember that our work here is unto the Lord whether anyone acknowledges us or not.

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  7. Hi Denise - I love that scripture that says do the work as if it were for the Lord and ultimately isn't it? Great post
    God bless my friend
    Tracy

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  8. Denise, this post is timely as I get prepared to begin a new position with a new school as counselor. One word I heard Chuck Swindoll say years ago has framed by outlook on priorities, work, and play, "Only two things are eternal - God's word and people." Thank you for the reminder! Brenda

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  9. Oh, this has been a hard lesson to learn. I'd like to say I have always enjoyed the work I have found my hands doing -- much of it mundane -- unto the Lord. More and more everyday I am beginning to see it as holy and God pleased in it, as I offer it all up to Him. You share great wisdom and truth here. Thank you.

    You have a beautiful place :) Thank you for visiting mine, too. You left a very encouraging comment.

    Blessings to you...

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  10. When I am sweeping the floor of the ramada after the children eat lunch, I remind myself to work as unto the Lord. He is the One I'm working for.

    blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  11. a beautiful post with a fabulous perspective. i am reading a book of saints...they seem to always have this attitude! and are grateful for everything in life...and happy about it even. Oh, I am soooo not there!!

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  12. this is a great read...very cool and I like the hide and seek analogy

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