Saturday, July 4, 2009

Work to Please God, Not People


“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working
for the Lord and not for people”

(Colossians 3:23 TEV)

The apostle Paul teaches that we are to work as though we are “working for the Lord and not for people.” He’s saying that no job is too small; no job is too menial; no job is too insignificant when you have the right motive and perspective. We should think, “I’m doing it for God; I’m doing this job as if I’m doing it for the Lord.” I used to clean meat lockers in a butcher shop, and I would clean them as unto the Lord.

Now, how do I know if I’m doing my work for the Lord? Two characteristics will show up in your attitude: excellence and enthusiasm.

First, if I’m doing my work, not for the boss but for the Lord, I’ll do it with excellence. That means I give it my best shot. I do the best I can because I’m not doing it for anyone’s approval, except God’s. I do it with excellence, being the best I can be.

Second, I do my work with enthusiasm. I’m working for God; therefore, I do it with a cheerful attitude. “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically” (Romans 12:11 NLT).

When you are working with all your heart, motivated by the love of Christ, your work is transformed into an act of worship for God.

Rick Warren

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