22. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
23. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
Christians are instructed as employees (slaves/servants) to work wholeheartedly as unto the Lord. It doesn't make any difference whether you are a housewife cooking meals or washing clothes for loved ones or if you are a teacher, doctor, lawyer, nurse, sales clerk, or accountant. Are you seeking to serve the Lord? Does the farmer work not only for profit but working as a privilege to God?
Colossians 3:23 instructs Christians to be wholehearted in every worthy endeavor. That means applying ourselves with the same diligence to lowly tasks that we do to prominent ones. There is nothing too small for Jesus.
Many only work if they get recognition and glory. That should not be our attitude. Any opportunity to glorify God should never be considered too small or too insignificant to command our best efforts. All, however, are to have the attitude of Jesus who gives their talents to the Lord with a spirit of humility.
When you commit yourself to work for someone you are in a sense selling your labor for the hours involved. Today we are fortunate to have laws that restrict abusive working conditions and many serve under contracts which explain their responsibilities for work and training. There are some things under the law that people can and cannot do.
Employers cannot control the rest of your life, but they do have a right to control your working life during the work hours. Work diligently.
In our culture, we have the freedom to go from one job to another. That was not possible during Biblical days. God often entrusts us with a little to see what we will do in order that He might give us something better. Joseph was required to work his best as a slave for many years and then in prison before God raised him up to rule over the people of Egypt, second to Pharaoh. The quality and attitude toward his work was rewarded.
I don't think that we will become better workers by increasing pay or having better conditions, or higher benefits. The secret of good work is the personal pride one takes in doing a good job. It is in recognizing labor is part of the gift and responsibility from God. Do your best with the attitude of gratitude and humility and God will be honored.
Application: Read Philippians 2:5-11 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, ……. he took the humble position of a servant ….
Prayer: I pray that through Your Grace I would have the same mindset that Christ Jesus had.
