“We are called to work for the Lord and to please Him.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 12, 2023
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
In my early work life, I often had jobs that didn’t match my gifts, talents, and temperament. Therefore, I always felt like a square peg trying to fit into a world of round holes. I’m creative and unconventional, so I was never going to fit in the medical, financial, tech, farming, or sales worlds. But those jobs were primarily the types that were in the state where I grew up and went to college. So, as a result, I often felt mismatched with my work—and therefore—I often felt unmotivated.
Additionally, as someone who is creative and easily bored with routine, I regret that early in my career, my “have to” was often overpowered by my “want to.” I didn’t want to do this work or that work well because it didn’t excite me. Therefore, I didn’t always work in a way that would have pleased the Lord. I am certain I disappointed Him with my lack of faithfulness now and then—and that grieves me.
As I consider this, I’m reminded that to be intrinsically motivated to work with excellence, it certainly helps to use our gifts and talents as much as possible. Each of us have been created to best serve in particular types of jobs and careers. As you channel your natural gifts and talents into your work, you’ll enjoy it more and be motivated.
Next, we need to remember that no matter what kind of work we are doing that it’s not our employer that we are subject to—and we are not to aim to please ourselves. Instead, we are called to work for the Lord and to ultimately please Him.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
When we work with excellence, we are a blessing to our employer, to the Lord, and to those who watch us work.
In his book, Called to Create, Jordan Raynor writes:
Throughout Scripture, Christians are commanded to do everything with excellence, not doing anything half-heartedly.
Why? Because when God creates, he does it with excellence, and as his image bearers to the world we should seek to imitate him in every possible way. Jesus…provides the perfect model here. Jesus came to earth as God’s ultimate image-bearer…he spent his working days emulating the…creative character of his father.
As we work, we are to represent Christ.
In the words of Reverend Robert Sirico, “Searching for excellence is the beginning of a search for God.”
There is a delight and satisfaction that comes when we know we are working for the joy of our loving Master. When we are aligned with His heart, when we know we are loved by Him, we will want to give love back to Him and glorify Him by serving Him well in our work.
How are you working today? Are you doing it with excellence? Are you in a career that uses your gifts and talents? Are you serving in a way that delights the heart of Christ?
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11).
Prayer
Lord, help me to work using the gifts and talents you have given me to bless others. And help me to work in such a way that honors you. Amen.
Application
Are you well matched with your job or career? If not, seek out a position that is a better fit. Then, do it to the glory of God.
Related Reading
Colossians 3:23; Galatians 6:4-5; Psalm 90:17
Worship Resource
Joshua’s Troop: I Just Want to Please You
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