Working with joy?

Most people probably would not put the words ‘joy’ and ‘work’ in the same sentence unless they said something like, “I was full of joy when I left work on Friday.” Do you ever dream about finding a source of income so that the daily responsibilities could be left behind, once and for all?  I do not expect much applause for the next couple of lines.  Nobody will write to after reading this and say, “Jerry, thanks! That word was just what I needed to get through this time in my life.” But, here goes anyway.

Your work matters to God!  Regardless if you’re a laborer, a teacher, a homemaker, or a preacher – God takes an interest in your life. A person known to be a disciple of Christ who goes to work and carries his responsibilities well is a credit to the Kingdom! Other than outright hypocrisy, nothing else brings more disgrace on the Name of Christ than those who fail to do their work with excellence and diligence.  

In the Bible we find this encouragement. It was originally addressed to the slaves that had come to Christ but the principle applies to all us who work for others. "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free." (Ephesians 6:7-8, NLT)   Another passage repeats and emphasizes the same point: "Don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work." (Colossians 3:22-25, The Message)

Genesis tells us that because of sin, our efforts never produce all the results we desire.  The gardens we plant will develop weeds. The strategies we so carefully construct will be frustrated by unforeseen problems. But, still we work, not just to produce an income but, as the Word says, to please God!  Our boss will not always reward our effort. Others may claim the credit for the good we do. We might even have to work for lazy supervisors who make us to what they should be doing, but God knows, He sees, and His rewards and commendations are perfectly just.  If we have been diligent, we can anticipate standing before our Lord and hearing this: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’" (Matthew 25:20-21, NIV)

Struggling to work with excellence? Finding it difficult to perform at a consistently high level?  Let me recommend a book that’s been around a while. It’s not a “Christian” title, but the principles in it are rooted in spiritual truth.  Stephen Covey wrote The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change.  It is simple wisdom that will change your life if you take it to heart.  The Christian who weds this wisdom with the powerful encouragement of the Holy Spirit becomes a force for good. Really!

Take a second look at your work. Commit what you do and how you do it to Christ Jesus, prayerfully bringing Him to work with you.  Ask Him to help your life in the workplace to honor Him and side effect will be greater joy for you. I know it!

Father, the world in which we live frustrates us.

There is such an emphasis on leisure and pleasure,

There are so many unfair and unjust situations

That we are sometimes tempted to join with the

Complainers, slackers, and minimalists at work.

Help us to see that our work matters to You.

Teach to work at what we do wholeheartedly, and

Prosper the work of our hands.

We pray in Jesus’ Name.

Amen