By John Posey, May 22, 2024

You worship God when you work as unto the Lord.

“22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ”  (Colossians 3:22–24).

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.

My family and I moved to Atlanta to plant a church. Support was very low then, so I picked up extra work to make ends meet. One of my first jobs was working for a fast-food restaurant called Steak-Out. The manager asked me to clean the floor.

Before I moved to Atlanta, I worked in technology; I worked with my mind, not my back! I would travel to places like Singapore where I taught the company employees how to repair their computer systems. I felt really important. I loved that job. I was flying first class on an international flight. Getting paid bonuses, I knew I was valued.

But in Atlanta, I found myself cleaning the floor of a fast-food restaurant. I went from nice suits to worn-out restaurant clothes and a stupid hat! I felt embarrassed to be seen in public. My attitude was truly arrogant.

If you’re sweeping the floor, my mother would tell me, “Be the best floor sweeper the world has ever seen.” So, I got on my knees and worked hard, cleaning the corners and moving everything out completely. When I finished cleaning, the manager said, “That’s the best floor cleaning I have ever seen!” And not long after that, he wanted me to be the assistant manager. 

God moved me into that restaurant job because I needed to learn humility and to be content in whatever situation I was in.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content^11” (Philippians 4:11). 

Regardless of your situation, you can find joy when you work like you are working for the Lord.  You may find yourself working at a job that you don’t like.  Maybe you’re working for a boss you don’t like.  Maybe you’re dealing with a client that you don’t like.  Perhaps you’re doing some boring tasks, and you feel useless.  No matter where or what you do today, put your heart into your vocation. Give your time to God.  Worship Him through the work you’re doing. Do it for the Lord.

And truly, the Lord will reward you. Sometimes, He will reward you in this life, but more importantly, He will reward you eternally because you have set your affection on the things above.

“If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, and are seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).