“The secret of life in all situations is not finding contentment in your circumstances, but in Christ.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 31, 2022
Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. Ephesians 6:5-6, MSG
God made you to work. Work is His will. But what are you to do when work loses its meaning? It’s not interesting anymore, the novelty has come and gone, what used to be a challenge to learn from, has become a burden to overcome. Or, what used to be a calling has become unimportant, stale, just going through the motions to get a paycheck. Life is too short for your work to not be meaningful…with a sense of importance, interest and yes even…fun! Maybe it’s time for a change, not just a career change, but a change of heart—a refocus on God’s plan and purpose.
Paul is writing to bondservants who report to a master. The Apostle is not addressing the evils of slavery that existed during the days of Roman dictatorship that encouraged a culture of servitude, rather he is reminding those working in a difficult situation how to glorify God in their work. His words are timeless and timely in our ever-transforming work culture of today…obediently submit to authority, with an attitude of love and respect you are obeying your real master, Jesus Christ. Don’t just meet minimal job expectations, instead work heartily as a servant of Christ. You work for God, so smile, be grateful…knowing your ultimate reward is from your Master.
“And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free” (Ephesians 6:7-8, MSG).
If you find yourself unsure, discontent, ready for a change—take a deep breath, refocus in prayer on God’s purpose for you. It’s out of your vibrant relationship with the Lord that will bring deeper meaning as you do your work unto the Lord. You need Him a lot more than He needs you. Humility is nourished out of your recognition of spiritual poverty in need of the surpassing riches of God’s grace. Oswald Chambers succinctly captures this thinking, “The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship. That is all God asks us to give our attention to, and it is the one thing that is continually under attack.” Prayer is your most meaningful work!
Yes, be open to other job opportunities more appropriate for your gifts and skills in your season of life, but most importantly in the process grow in intimate love with God and those who love you the most. Walk in peace and don’t flutter around in fear like a bird whose leg is snared by a trap. Be faithful where you are, learning the lessons you need to learn, so you are prepared and can be trusted by the Lord for His next assignment. Then peace and joy will join you in your job. The secret of life in all situations is not finding contentment in your circumstances, but in Christ.
“I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power” (Philippians 4:12-13, TLB).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, draw me close to your heart and will for me, so my contentment is in you, your plan and your timing, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What in my current role at work does the Lord want to use to grow and prepare me for my next season of service with my Master Jesus Christ?
Related Reading
Romans 6:22; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Colossians 3:22; 1 Timothy 6:6
Worship Resource
Jason Upton: Seek First
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