Obeying God in the Workplace

Have you ever worked with someone that hated their job? Did they let you and everyone else at work know it on a regular basis?

I’ve known people like that.

In one case, I came to the conclusion that they probably were not saved. They just did not seem to have God’s love in their heart.

I think we have all had jobs we did not like. In some cases, we liked the job, but the people made it an unpleasant task. Sometimes, it wasn’t the task or our co-workers that made the job difficult, but the customers were a challenge.

I have known folks that wherever they worked they were not happy. A job change made no difference.

Would you do your job any differently if God Himself asked you to do it? Would you do it exactly as He asked you without a grumble or complaint? Would you be eager to do it for Him?

Well, if you answered yes to any of those questions, maybe it is not the job after all. Maybe it is a matter of our perspective, and the change we need to make is within ourselves.

Our focus needs to move from the task and the folks at hand to God and how we can better serve Him in our work. We need to be salt and light as we do our jobs. The only time the people we work with may see Jesus that day is through us.

In scripture, God has spoken to us about our work, and He has told us how we are to do it.

Consider these verses:

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Colossians 3:22-23

Today’s equivalents of servant and master are employee and employer. We can see from scripture that we need to do everything as if we are doing it for the Lord. As Christians, it is important that we be thankful for our jobs. It’s important that we set the example at work.

Here’s something else to think. I have seen this happen. It happened to my husband. Sometimes, God will give us a job that does not make use of all of our skills. Quite often, this is a stepping-stone to another job that will not only make use of the skills we already had, but also the new skills we are learning.

LIFE APPLICATION

Key Focal Verse:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

I want to challenge you today to not let the folks around you at work or the customers you have affect how you do your job. Remember, we are called to do ALL things as unto the Lord.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

Make each day a great day! Give it your best! And, let your light shine!