“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23
Work occupies a large part of our lives. Whether we are employed, caring for family, serving the church, studying, volunteering, or managing a home, we spend much of each day completing tasks and meeting responsibilities.
Some work gives us a deep sense of purpose. Other work feels repetitive and exhausting. We may wonder whether folding another load of laundry, answering another email, attending another meeting, or doing one more errand really matters.
Scripture teaches us that the meaning of our work is not determined by how impressive it appears. Our work’s value comes from the One to whom we offer it daily. When we offer our work to God, even ordinary tasks can become acts of worship.
A seventeenth-century monk named Brother Lawrence learned to experience God’s presence while washing dishes. He discovered he could worship God while washing pots and pans in the monastery’s kitchen by offering his work to God.
God is present in our ordinary work every day. The classroom, office, kitchen, hospital, workshop, and church meeting can all become holy ground when we offer our work to God. We have much to learn from God through work, too. As we work, we learn to practice patience, demonstrate integrity, encourage other people, and reflect the love of Jesus through our work in the world.
We must also remember that working wholeheartedly does not mean working without limits. God never calls us to prove our worth through exhaustion. Rest is also sacred. Our value does not come from our productivity. Our value comes from God and being beloved children of God.
Today, let’s place the work of our hands before the Lord. Let’s ask God to help us approach work with faithfulness rather than frustration. Others may not always recognize our work, but when it is done with love, God sees it and can use it.
Prayer:
God, thank You for the work You have placed before me. Help me to serve with faithfulness, integrity, and love. When my work feels unnoticed, remind me that you see me. When I become weary, teach me to rest. May the work of my hands honor you and bring encouragement to others. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.
Jesus loves you, Union Family, and I do too!