“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).
While many of us look forward to Friday and the end of a typical work week, we often greet Monday and the beginning of a new work week with a sense of dread. But if we take the time to consider that Monday-morning response more closely, we may find that it is not “work” that disheartens us. Instead, it is the drudgery and toil associated with an occupation we dislike. You see, we rarely object to working at a task we enjoy. The problem is that most of us must labor at an occupation that generates a paycheck and not the kind of work we’d prefer.
But what if we changed our perspective regarding the work we perform? For instance, what if we were to view our work responsibilities as assignments from God? How would our attitude towards life and work change if we viewed our occupations as duties that have been entrusted to us?
No matter how difficult, tedious, or menial our work may be, we can find meaning and fulfillment in our labor if we view it as a responsibility that has been conferred upon us by God. Consider the following observation on this subject…
“If we could regard our work as an act of worship or service to God, such an attitude would take some of the drudgery and boredom out of it. We could work without complaining or resentment if we would treat our job problems as the cost of discipleship.” (1)
However, there is a subtle pitfall to avoid as we follow this directive to “…work heartily, as unto the Lord” (ASV), That danger materializes when others fail to recognize or commend us for the quality of our work as we put forth our best efforts on behalf of the Lord.
While it is certainly discouraging when others fail to notice or appreciate our work, its important to remember that we do not labor exclusively to obtain the approval or acknowledgment of others. Instead, we perform quality work (regardless of our occupation) because it reflects well upon the Lord and the name we carry even if others dismiss our efforts.
If we maintain this perspective, it should help us avoid the disappointment that may result when others fail to affirm or commend our work. Sometimes we must be content in the knowledge that God is aware of our commitment to honor Him in our labor even when others are not.
(1) Life Application Study Bible NKJV Colossians 3:23 Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved.
Image Credit: Clara E. Atwood [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
