Work is the foundation of an economy. Your personal financial goals are based on how much you can divide your income to meet your needs and wants. It’s the key component to household economic stability.
The spiritual perspective towards work should lead us to see it as a blessing and an opportunity to be used for the glory of God.
Colossians 3:23 states, Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
It is a reminder of how we should prepare our hearts in whatever work we do. Be reminded that whatever door God has opened, the work we do has a greater purpose.
Put on the New Self
In Colossians 3 we are encouraged to keep our minds on things above because that’s where Christ is. We learn that our lives are hidden in Christ. The old life we used to live is no longer a spiritual reality. As believers our old nature was nailed to the cross and just as Christ was raised from the dead to life, we live a new life in Him.
We are encouraged to put off the old self in the same way a garment is exchanged. The things that characterized our life prior to faith in Jesus stemmed from a heart of darkness. Examples include sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, anger, slander, and bad language. Our lives should show the fruit of our heart transformation. We learn that by putting on our new self we renew our minds to the knowledge of Christ and who we really are.
We desire to live as Christ lived. We have the example of what it means to live rightly. But the battle is real. It is a daily challenge. When we get ready for work we should value renewing our mind to prepare for the day and putting on our true nature.
Our Work Uniform
Our work uniform is the life that Christ died to give us. From a changed heart comes compassion, kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love. When we understand that God has given us every mean necessary to represent Him and His kingdom we can be ready. The challenges of getting along with people will come up, we shouldn’t be surprised by them. We have to remember to pray and give our disappointments to Christ and choose His way over our own. Whatever we do we say and do to the glory of God.
We live a life of an already but not yet. We are already with Christ in heaven but earthly we still experience this life. Our earthly bodies will one day be reunited and transformed with our spirit when Christ returns. There will be times we experience sin, but as believers our lives are characterized as repentance. We confess our sins to God knowing He is just to forgive us. So as we remind ourselves of our true existence we celebrate our true nature and identity. Not one that is based on blood heritage or nationality but a heavenly one, and eternal heritage.
Work for the Lord
No matter what our role is in life we have a responsibility. Our goal is to please God because we fear Him. When we serve others we serve God. It is a mark of whose we are. We serve a God of love but we also understand He is a God of justice. God will restore all the brokenness in this world. He will judge sin and His anger will be against it. We understand that a holy God cannot be in fellowship with darkness and evil. We put on our new selves because we know how important it is to be transformed. We work from grace not for it. As believers we don’t obey God to be saved we obey Him because we are saved.
Imagine heaven, it is the exact opposite of this life. We are literally being transformed and prepped for our new life. A life that is characterized by work, giving, kindness, humility, gratitude, and love. God has given us the ultimate life. Not in just having “things” but experiencing the true meaning of life. Not one that is self centered but understands that God is all we need and that He gives us the blessing of fellowship with Him and others. Our lives are forever with Christ, He is all we will ever need and ever be fully satisfied with.
Finances will work themselves out. God knows exactly what we need. How do you see your current workplace?
Ask yourselves these questions:
- Do I work in a place where God can be pleased?
- How can I show His light to those around me?
- How can I use my income to take care of my needs and the needs of others?
These are practical steps to put God first in your workplace. Enjoy the blessing of provision and be a blessing to others. Experience the treasure of real life in Christ.