Bring Meaning to Work

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23

As he explained the Colossians 3 passage, a pastor once said, “People are problems for all of us.” The marriage relationship, child/parent relationship, and the employer/employee relationship can have conflicts for various reasons. However, the Lord has given guidance for each one in His Word. 

The apostle Paul referred to masters and slaves, but you can insert employer and employee to understand the relationship as it should be. The Christian employer and employee should be conscientious and industrious in their work habits. Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Addressing the motives people have for working, Dr. Lloyd J. Ogilvie wrote, “The fact is that we were never meant to find meaning in our work, but rather bring meaning to our work. When Christ is our meaning we can work creatively to praise Him.” 

In all situations, be faithful to God. Whether you are the employer or employee, do your best. Pray for those with whom you work. If you are a stay-at-home mom, pray that God would give you the strength to do all He has called you to do. “Work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward” (vv. 23-24). Seek to please the Lord whether someone is watching you or not. Though no one else may see, the Lord does, and, as John MacArthur says, “He will pay you back with grace and generosity.” 

Ask the Lord to show you whether or not you are doing your best in your position. Pray for those around you and that your Christian testimony leads them to Christ. Pray for the relationships that exist between the nation’s governing officials and the aides who serve them. 

Today’s Verse: Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Colossians 3:18-24

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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