Not Just Working for 'The Man'

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Where did this week go?? Yikes! It's Thursday already and I'm scrambling to get things ready for KIDS' SAFETY DAY on Saturday and for worship on Sunday. But before all that I wanted to get caught up with the Q&As and reflect with you a bit.


So, here's the question and answer from Monday:
What are “in full view of the Lord” and all of what does God examine? (Proverbs 5)
Proverbs 5:21 21 For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.

And here's the question and answer from Tuesday:
To what are believers to prevent themselves from becoming captive? (Colossians 2) For a bonus point: what do you think this verse means?
Colossians 2:8 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Also, here's the question and answer from Wednesday:
To whom is Psalm 90 attributed to?
A prayer of Moses the man of God.

And, finally, here's the question of the day:
Finish this proverb: “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but ____________________________________.” (Proverbs 12)


And here's the reflection of the day:
Colossians 3:23-24
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

These verses from Colossians really come in handy sometimes . . . the times we are discouraged, the times we are frustrated, the times we feel like our work--or our life--is pointless. Whatever it is that is getting us down (situation at work, keeping up with chores around the house, trying to mend a broken relationship, visiting a dying friend), "work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."

This morning, I'm thinking these verses can come in handy during the times when you're at work and you have to do something you don't really want to do. Maybe that doesn't happen very often for some. But for others, their whole job may be filled with things you don't really want to do. Don't think of it as working for "the man." Think of is as serving the Lord Christ.

These verses even apply to pastors, believe it or not! :0) There are aspects of our jobs that we don't exactly relish. Those specific parts differ from pastor to pastor--based on spiritual gifts and skills--but let's face it, there are some unpleasant parts of pastoral ministry. So even PASTORS can be encouraged by these verses from Colossians.

I am going to issue this challenge to you: the next time you find yourself facing an unpleasant task--you know, the thing you have put off for days/weeks/months/years--make a decision to "work at it with all your heart." Don't think of it as something to be avoided; think of it as a way to serve Jesus Christ. If it's a person you don't want to face, try to see Jesus on the face of that person. If it's a task to be completed, think of all the prayer you can have while you're working.

God has given each of us things to do in our lives. God has given us work and purpose to fill our lives. And God requires our obedience in all the tasks HE has given to us. Remember, you are serving the Lord Christ and not your fellow man (or woman, as the case may be).