S) "23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve."
Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB)
O) This chapter is full of instruction. These specific verses come right after Paul's instruction to slaves, that they need to serve their masters while fearing the Lord. From the beginning of the chapter, Paul sets expectation, that if we are raised up with Christ it will change how we live. There are literally a dozen things to highlight in this chapter, but to a large degree, the verses above can really summarize the detailed instructions. We must be obedient to the commands of God, living as He wants us to live. There can be no doubt about that, since He is God and we are not. But, with the verses above, it really goes a step beyond upholding the letter of the law. This extends the sphere of Christ's influence in our lives. Christ does not only rule over our morality, but also over the mundane tasks of life. Furthermore, when we see that all our work is for the Lord, then it removes any blame-shifting about bad behavior. When we see our boss as the Boss, then our supervisor can be immoral, unfair, and mean, but our Boss is perfect, just, and kind. We may be mistreated by management, but they aren't really in charge. Whether the company deserves our hard work or not, is no longer relevant. The only thing is whether or not our work is glorifying my Lord Christ, whom we serve.
A) This has really changed how I view my work ethic. Generally speaking, my lack of ambition combined with my apathy and arrogance, made me a fairly worthless employee. I had, for the most part, done only as much work so as not to be fired. When I judged that I was being mistreated, I would slack off even more. I was a time-thief, indulging my laziness and seeing little value in working hard at all. There was a sense in which I held a near-existential attitude toward work. But, the more I began to see that every part of my life was a reflection of Christ, and that good or bad, I was revealing Him to others in some way, that was very convicting. Now, when I read this verse, I do not feel a burden to work hard - as if I need to keep the name of Christ clean. While I certainly don't want anyone to misunderstand what it means to be a Christian, because I have been a poor example, That's not what this is about. This verse is about finding joy, even in the face of forced labor, unsafe conditions, and unjust treatment. When I began to alter my view, to realize that I am not working for a paycheck or recognition, but that I am working to please the Lord Christ, and my real reward is my eternal inheritance, then I began seeing work as an opportunity. I still want to be a good employee. I want to be the kind of employee that a boss is happy to have. I still want to glorify Christ with my character, that people might see my work and understand it is only good because Christ is good in me. But, beyond any external influence my work may have, I see my work as an opportunity to worship God. It is the Lord Christ whom I serve, whether that's sweeping floors, packing boxes, filing papers, or making phone calls.
P) Father, thank You for changing my heart, Lord. Thank You for, not only offering me the delayed reward of my heavenly inheritance, but also for giving me a source of joy for the everyday, mundane, tiring work that I do. Help me keep this truth in mind, that I would recognize my daily work as not just a job, but an opportunity for worship. Help me to internalize the reality that You are my Lord, over my morality and my job. Help me to extend this to every part of my life. Help me to serve my wife and kids, because I serve You. Help me to be willing and joyful to serve at church, because I serve You. Help me to serve others, especially my brothers and sisters, because I serve You. Open my eyes to see this. Let Your will be done at my job, in Your servant. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) This has really changed how I view my work ethic. Generally speaking, my lack of ambition combined with my apathy and arrogance, made me a fairly worthless employee. I had, for the most part, done only as much work so as not to be fired. When I judged that I was being mistreated, I would slack off even more. I was a time-thief, indulging my laziness and seeing little value in working hard at all. There was a sense in which I held a near-existential attitude toward work. But, the more I began to see that every part of my life was a reflection of Christ, and that good or bad, I was revealing Him to others in some way, that was very convicting. Now, when I read this verse, I do not feel a burden to work hard - as if I need to keep the name of Christ clean. While I certainly don't want anyone to misunderstand what it means to be a Christian, because I have been a poor example, That's not what this is about. This verse is about finding joy, even in the face of forced labor, unsafe conditions, and unjust treatment. When I began to alter my view, to realize that I am not working for a paycheck or recognition, but that I am working to please the Lord Christ, and my real reward is my eternal inheritance, then I began seeing work as an opportunity. I still want to be a good employee. I want to be the kind of employee that a boss is happy to have. I still want to glorify Christ with my character, that people might see my work and understand it is only good because Christ is good in me. But, beyond any external influence my work may have, I see my work as an opportunity to worship God. It is the Lord Christ whom I serve, whether that's sweeping floors, packing boxes, filing papers, or making phone calls.
P) Father, thank You for changing my heart, Lord. Thank You for, not only offering me the delayed reward of my heavenly inheritance, but also for giving me a source of joy for the everyday, mundane, tiring work that I do. Help me keep this truth in mind, that I would recognize my daily work as not just a job, but an opportunity for worship. Help me to internalize the reality that You are my Lord, over my morality and my job. Help me to extend this to every part of my life. Help me to serve my wife and kids, because I serve You. Help me to be willing and joyful to serve at church, because I serve You. Help me to serve others, especially my brothers and sisters, because I serve You. Open my eyes to see this. Let Your will be done at my job, in Your servant. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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