For The Lord
"Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily from the soul, as something done for the Lord and not for men."
This instruction from Paul in Colossians 3 - if taken to heart and applied, will transform how you view your workweek, your ability to succeed, be a witness for others unto God, and return to bless you.
You may think, "how does this relate to my finances?" Since our work translates into what we earn, trusting and obeying what the Lord has said will release His power and life into our labor, causing it to prosper.
Despite being sold into slavery, Joseph persevered and served the Lord in his work. In Genesis 39 it says the Lord was with him and made all that he did to flourish and succeed, which led to Potiphar making him supervisor in his house and all that he had.
I have pinned Ephesians 6 above my desk for years. Even though starting in verse 5 it is speaking to servants, the principles spoken are golden words to work by for us:
- Be obedient to those who are your physical masters, having respect for them and eager concern to please them, in singleness of motive and with all your heart, as service to Christ Himself.- Not in the way of eye-service and only to please men, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God heartily and with your whole soul. Rendering service readily with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men.
If you strive to give this type of effort, you will receive strength, steadfastness, a mindset of integrity, and have diligence. You'll regard work as less of a chore and sense God's grace seeing you through the challenges that arise.
This effort will be unmistakable to your coworkers, supervisors and leaders. As they see the integrity and caring in your work and concern for them, it will translate to an increased weight when you share of the Lord. Think about John 3:12 when Jesus said "If I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" If we can "speak" well in these earthly things (by working diligently), they will be more open to heavenly things.
Living out the good working character traits God has described, will make you more valuable and irreplaceable to your management. They will see you as a strong candidate for promotion and leadership - as Joseph experienced.
But even if promotion or financial increase does not result directly from your employer, you know that you have obeyed the Lord and acted out what is true from His Word - and as is concluded from the verses in Ephesians we can look forward to this now and in the eternal ages to come:
"Knowing that for whatever good anyone does, he will receive his reward from the Lord, whether he is slave or free."
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
