Work is ministry
Many Christians often feel that the only way they can serve God and the kingdom is by quitting their jobs and becoming preachers or serving at a church. However, God has not called everybody to become a full time preacher. He has not called everybody to sing in the choir or do something at church. In fact the bulk of ministry goes on outside church. In the market place. That is where the Kingdom touches people on a daily basis. That is where the real ministry occurs. As you work and earn money.
Don’t quit your job to get into the ministry. Your job is the ministry for now. Turn your job into a ministry opportunity. Use your job to reach people and to minister to people. Furthermore, you must realize that your job is an opportunity for you to advance the gospel and work for the kingdom. Your job gives you a pay cheque which enables you to give and support the work of the ministry. Working a ‘secular’ job doesn’t mean you are not doing anything for the kingdom. If you are giving you are doing a lot for the kingdom of God.
2Corinthians9
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God
Work is important. It gives us the opportunity to participate in Gods purposes and be a blessing to the world by reaching our workmates, clients, employers etc. and also by giving and supporting the gospel and the ministry.
Work is worship
Ephesians6
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Basically Paul is speaking of a master/servant relationship. In our context this is the relationship between an employer and an employee. He is saying that you should give your employer your very best work. Don't just work hard when he is around but do your work as unto Christ. Remember whatever good thing we do, God will repay us.
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
As good stewards, we should serve our employers genuinely from the heart. We should not only do what's right or expected when our boss is watching, but we should do just as well when no one is watching. We should not be menpleasers. Those who have two standards or two speeds of work (one for when they are being watched and one for other times), are liars and thieves. They are stealing from their employers and intentionally giving a false impression.
‘doing the will of God from the heart’
Paul refers to serving your employer as ‘doing the will of God.’ This is an amazing truth that most Christians don’t know or just don’t believe. Doing a good job at work and having a good attitude is also the will of God. It is not only preaching and witnessing that is God’s will. It is not only pastors and missionaries that are fulfilling God’s will. Working hard with a good attitude is God’s will and you should do it from the heart.
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
‘With good will.’ We are to serve our employers with good will. With a good attitude. Without grumbling and complaining. It is not enough to just do a good job. The attitude with which we do it is important. You must have a good attitude about it. God didn’t make any exceptions for this. He did not say do this for kind, understanding, wonderful bosses only. He said do it.
Even if your boss is a jerk or an idiot or an insensitive mean as a snake kind of guy, do it.
How could he expect us to do this?
It is because our attitude and happiness is not determined by others. Other influence us and present us with opportunities to be happy or sad but it is our choice how we feel and how we act. When we depend on Jesus for happiness and fulfillment, we can choose to serve others with good will and be happy regardless of whether or not they deserve it. Work as if Jesus is your boss and you are not working for men but for God.
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
The reason for our diligence should not be the recognition of man but the recognition of God. God rewards us for the way we serve others. He looks at the heart and rewards us accordingly. If you understand this you will not be a servant to men. You will not be motivated by the fear of your boss because you will know that God is your source, and your service is to Him. He is the one who gives promotion;
Psalm75
5 Do not lift up your horn on high; Do not speak with a stiff neck. 6 For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south.7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.
Work is part of God’s plan. If you will commit to it He will get you work to do or a job or a business etc. When you work you don’t work for men but for God. The job or business is just an avenue that God uses.
The job/ boss is not your source. God is your source. He just works through them to supply your need.
The steward works with this mindset. The steward works as unto the Lord. After all God is always looking. Even if someone may be cheating you and not paying you what is due. God will make it up to you. God will pay you if you work for Him diligently and with a good attitude.
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