Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. (Ephesians 6:7)
There are many different callings for the people of God, but only one Boss – and His name is Jesus Christ. Regardless of where you work and serve, and regardless of who signs your paycheck, ultimately the One you work for is Jesus. Think about this truth for a moment: At this level of living for the Lord, your work becomes a witness. Whatever those in authority ask of you on the job should be viewed as coming from the Lord (as long, of course, as it does not violate the revealed truth of sacred Scripture).
Do you see how this understanding is a complete game-changer for the energy and attitude we bring to our work? First of all, it means there is no such thing as “menial labor” when that labor is being done for the glory of God. Second, it means your work has eternal value, because it is being done for the glory of the Eternal One.
At this point you may be thinking, “Pastor, you just don’t know the job I currently have, and you definitely don’t know the boss I work for!” That’s true. But God certainly does know, and He has not only called you to your current position, but He has given you everything you need to work with excellence.
Check out the very next verse Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians:
The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. (Ephesians 6:8)
Wow! If you work wholeheartedly and serve the Lord, regardless of where you are working, you can expect the Lord’s reward! Now, it’s not as though we can make God our debtor when we are serving Him. God, in His amazing grace, determined in eternity past to pour out His blessings on those who are working and living in the light of eternity. That means that nothing you do on your job is done in vain. Your boss may not acknowledge you. Your boss may not even remember your name! But your real Boss does — He knows your every thought, word, and deed — and He delights in blessing you.
As you consider the truth of today’s message, do you see the importance of the job you currently have? Remember, your work may not be deemed “important” in the eyes of man, but it is eternally important in God’s eyes. And if it is important to God, it really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about it. God has promised to reward you, not so much for your fruitfulness, but rather for your faithfulness. Press on, Christian, and remember that your real Boss is cheering you on!
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 