“Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart.”
You were made on purpose, with a purpose, and for a purpose. Part of that purpose includes the work that God has prepared for you to do.
Contrary to popular belief and desire, work was present in the Garden of Eden before sin entered into the world. You read that correctly, work was present in the perfection of Eden. God created the concept of work and has prepared His people to do good works. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” Work is a part of God’s plan for your life.
In Ephesians 6:6 Paul is addressing how slaves should interact with their masters. Christian slaves faced a dilemma because of their status in a home. Why would you go above and beyond if you are not compensated for your extra time or efforts? Apparently the slaves in Ephesus who accepted Christ were completing the bare minimum amount of work that was asked of them. Paul explained that Christians should work diligently as slaves of Christ.
- He is your master.
- He directs your work.
- He has richly gifted you.
Work must be done “from your heart” and not for the purposes of pleasing people but for honoring God. In our culture it is easy to get caught up in working only when people are watching, which is a sinful attitude towards work. Did you catch the word “attitude” there? This concept cuts to the core of your heart, not your to-do list.
- Do you work only to be seen?
- Do you work to be accepted by others?
- Do you work to be appreciated with words and money?
Receiving compliments and compensation is not sinful – working with a self-serving attitude is.
The term “work” applies beyond the to-do list at your job to the way you serve your family, care for your house, minister to your neighbors, and serve in the local church. It encompasses every task and opportunity that God puts in front of you.
The Bible does not advocate overworking – especially when your working on your to-do list keeps you from serving others and sharing the Gospel – but reminds us that God is always watching us and has invited us to partake in life-giving, soul-restoring work of sharing the Gospel with others and serving them the way that Jesus would serve.
The more tasks that you commit to accomplish the less of your heart you can put into it.
Let Colossians 3:23 be an encouragement for your workday: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,” (Colossians 3:23).
Live It:
- Do you only work hard when others are watching?
- Do you need to put your heart into a specific task that God has given you to complete? If so, what task?
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Chase Snyder
Writer, Pastor
