Let’s face it, work is not always something we enjoy. That is why we call it “Work”. all of our jobs are filled with things that we “have to do” in order to do the things we “want to do”.
Recently I spoke to our staff about the importance of pleasing God with our work. We all work at a church, so I do believe that ALL we do is for the glory of God – we working in HIS institution. However, a job at a church or at 7-11 or wherever all require our diligence to give what we can for the greater glory of God (if we claim to be His follower).
It is natural for us to desire to work hard to please ourselves or other people. This is just a part of our nature. Romans 8:7-8 says, “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Bottom line: The flesh in its very nature cannot please God. No matter how hard we try, without the grace of Jesus Christ in our lives, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we will fall flat.
With our faith firmly fixed on Christ, we should strive to please God in these four ways at our workplace:
- OBEDIENCE. We strive to obey God’s commands in our lives, including respecting authority (as long as we are not asked to do something immoral). 1 Thessalonians 4:1 says, “Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.” We must dispel hypocrisy in our life and live in such a way to please God. Do what you say you are going to do and be a person who is firmly fixed on God call on your life, evident in your diligence at work.
- INTENTIONALITY. Please God doesn’t happen by accident. God’s people are disciplined people. We strive to work in such a way to please God, always keeping out hearts, mind, soul and actions in check. Psalm 90 tells us to pray to God and ask Him to “Teach us to number our days.” Every moment must be spent wisely.
- HARD WORK (as unto the Lord). 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6, “but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ…Hard work and toil.” Fear God more than you fear man; live to please him in the way you work hard – not lazy or apathetically.
- RESPECT OTHERS. Nearly all of our jobs include working with people in some way share or form. We must remember that one of the greatest ways that we please the Lord is by working well with others. Treat people as people and not merely a means to your end. Remember what Romans 13:7 says, “Pay to all what is owed to them: … respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”
Your life is not your own. You’ve been bought with a price. God your life back to God through diligent serve to God’s purposes.
