How do we glorify God in our work? Are we working for God or are we working for man?
Colossians 3:23-24: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. For you serve the Lord Christ.”
We’ve all been there before. The mundane day-to-day jobs and tasks that feel like you just punch in and out of the clock with no real fulfillment. Sometimes you may wonder what worth you have or value you get from doing your job. Even in ministry or serving in any church capacity at times can elicit the same feelings.
First, remember that God created us in His image.
Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
Since God created us after Him, He has so much in store for our lives, and He doesn’t want us to feel like we are wasting the potential we have when we are serving or working. When we are working, we need to remember to see ourselves as God sees us, and not how man sees us. We are his children that are beloved by Him and so we have infinite value and worth to God. That should help motivate us in our work and how we serve.
Second, to glorify God in your work, you must do it with a cheerful attitude, without complaining or grumbling.
Philippians 2:14: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”
I know this is much easier said than done. I need to practice what I preach here because I have struggled with this as well. Grumbling or complaining declares that God is not sufficiently loving, faithful, wise, or able to meet our needs. Faithless complaining is sinful because it accuses God of wrongdoing. It can also lead to spreading a negative atmosphere in your workplace or in the church.
Psalm 142:4: “I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.”
God wants us to pour out our complaints to Him privately and tell Him our troubles, so He can take care of them.
Finally, working for man instead of God is a form of pride.
James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Working for man produces pride, but working for God produces a spirit of humility. By being humble, this gives glory and honor to the Lord. By having a strong direction, desire, and Godly ambition in your work, you can be assured that you are pleasing the Lord. Instead of us being short-sighted and trying to live up to the expectations of others, let’s be intentional about serving the Lord and be kingdom-minded in everything we do. The promise we have from God is when we work unto the Lord there is an inheritance that awaits us from God. We are working toward an eternal reward by working for an infinite God, instead of mere mortal man who is finite. Man’s reward is short-lived, but God’s reward is everlasting!
So, remember as you are serving in church or at your workplace, that the end goal is not just working for a paycheck or working to please your employer. You are working to please God, our Creator and Savior, who will reward you for serving him faithfully.
May we all hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master!”
