Working for Jesus

Neville Turley

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord you are serving.  Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Yesterday in South Africa we commemorated Worker’s Day with a public holiday. So it is appropriate that our verse today should be about work.

John F Kennedy was inaugurated President of the United States of America on 20 January 1961. He will be forever remembered by one sentence in his inauguration speech. “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Why not adapt it to your own work situation?

“Ask not what your employer can do for you, ask what you can do for your employer.”

Our Bible text tells us it does not matter what we do but how we do it. In other words we should approach our duties passionately with all our heart.

It is not easy to keep motivated and enthusiastic, putting up with all the hassles and stress that comes with every job. Simon (Peter) experienced the same work frustrations.

“Master, we’ve worked hard all night and have not caught anything.  But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”  When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Luke 5:5-6

We can learn from this even when we work hard for no success, we must still continue to persevere - we must let down the net again!  We must continue trying and striving.

Paul had a word of warning for those who indulge in office politics – “If you keep on biting and devouring each other watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”  Galatians 5:15

As Christians we must remember that no matter how tough our work situation gets ultimately we are not working for men but for the Lord – and our God will not be indebted to anyone. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father help me to give of my best in my work situation.  May my work ethics testify to my devotion and commitment to your honour and glory. For Jesus sake Amen.