Hi
Congratulations to Jamaica’s new prime minister! I pray that today’s Holy nougat is as applicable to him as it is for each of us.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Many of us took work for granted, until Covid. It might have been work we do, or work others do (for us), but we did not wholly appreciate it or its value. Of course, many of us have been convinced otherwise since the pandemic shut down operations. But here’s the question – how much has changed?
While we don’t take the work for granted, have we operated with the understanding that we are our own bosses and accountable to no one; or worse yet, see our earthly bosses as our final authority? In either case, we are reminded that our Real Boss may have a bit more to say about what we do.
Work, according to Genesis 1 and 2, came with Creation. In fact Creative imagination is also our portion as ones made in God’s image (image-ination got it?!) But drudgery entered the equation as part of the consequences of Sin. And so did this premise of dominance and subordination in a punitive manner. But it doesn’t have to be like that.
What if you were to be all you could be right now? Whether working, studying or between employment, are you currently occupied with your passion? How do we pursue our dreams, ideal work and make it work? To whom do we consider ourselves most accountable and are we giving our best effort to our work?
In placing God as the Real Boss, all work becomes important, especially the chores we hate. And while we anticipate all the local compensation packages, we also recognize that our place of employment is also a place of witness to God’s provision and grace in our lives. Whatever we pursue should offer a chance for God’s glory to shine forth.
If that’s not happening; we need some serious intervention. For some of us, it’s going to require God transforming our spirits so we enjoy work once again; others will require new jobs and many of us need new vision and creativity. God’s way. And that’s the rub.
Because God desires integrity, dedication and joy whether we’re a prime minister or pipe layer; a bank clerk or a clerk of courts, gardener or landscaper or owner, a domestic worker or social worker, a leader or follower, formal or informal employee or even if we’re unemployed. It begins with our recognition that our service is to God first, and all else after.
So are we giving our all?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
