Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Col. 3:23)
Expanded Passage: Colossians 3:22–4:1
Did you have a lemonade stand as a child? I remember delivering newspapers and starting my own lawn-mowing and snow-removal business when I was in middle school. We were created to work, and the desire to do meaningful work is often on display at a young age. When children play, they are often rehearsing for the meaningful work they might do someday as police officers, doctors, teachers, and parents.
Work is good and can be one of the greatest sources of joy and fulfillment in our lives. For some, though, work is difficult for a variety of reasons. Perhaps your work is not a source of joy, but instead a source of dread. Job stress, burnout, and a lack of fulfillment have become common descriptors of work in the modern world.
But God created work. Before there was sin, humans worked. Doing meaningful work is part of what it means to be human. In this passage, Paul addressed all of us as Christian workers in the world today. He said that our work is important and that we should work at it as if we are working for the Lord. No matter how you feel about your work today, God can help you work at it with all your heart.
God, please help me to worship you today through my work.
As you work, keep in mind you are working for God.
Branden Petersen is the cofounder/pastor of Resurrection Life NYC in Manhattan with his wife, Jenn. He is also the founder and director of the urban church planting network, Global Cities Network.
