When I first moved to Hong Kong, one of the first things I noticed was the dedication people poured into their careers and success. In a fast-paced city, it’s easy to become entangled in this never-ending race driven by desires and ambitions. Often, we tend to compartmentalise our lives into distinct categories: career, family, faith, etc. However, it’s important to recognise that our spiritual lives are intertwined with our professional lives, where we often work for our own personal gain.
The Bible teaches us that our work is a form of worship. Col 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This verse reminds us that no matter what we do, our work extends far beyond the realms of pleasing bosses, satisfying clients, or providing for our families. Instead, we should view our work as a service to the Lord.
So, what’s the difference between working for ourselves and working for the Lord?
When we work for ourselves, we are often driven by self-motivation and caught in the pursuit of promotions and paychecks. We might cut corners, compromise our values, or even step on others to achieve our goals. We might do the bare minimum required in order to meet our goals or maintain the lifestyle we enjoy.
our primary motivation is to honour and glorify God
In contrast, working for the Lord means our primary motivation is to honour and glorify God, aligning our work with his will. It means giving your best in all that you do. It’s an acknowledgement that your work is an offering to God, and therefore, it should reflect your dedication to serving him wholeheartedly. It’s a shift in perspective that transforms everyday mundane tasks into opportunities for worship and service.
When we work for the Lord, it goes beyond the boundaries of our job descriptions. It’s recognising that your work is not just about tasks and responsibilities; it’s about the people you serve. Whether you’re interacting with colleagues, clients, or customers, your actions and attitudes can demonstrate your faith. Therefore a servant heart is non-negotiable when you work for the Lord.
John Mark Comer, in his book “Garden City,” beautifully articulates our goal when we work for the Lord: “Our job is to make the invisible God visible — to mirror and mimic what he is like to the world. We can glorify God by doing our work in such a way that we make the invisible God visible by what we do and how we do it.” As stewards of the gifts and resources that God has given to us, we hold the responsibility to use our time, talents, and opportunities in a way that reflects our faith. Our actions and attitudes should always point people towards Jesus. When we carry out our tasks with love, kindness, and integrity, we are showcasing the character of God.
So, as you go about your daily work, whether it’s in an office, a kitchen, a classroom, or a building site, everything, from the smallest task to the most significant project, carries within it the potential to bring glory to God. My prayer is that we will strive to work with servant hearts, seeking to make the invisible God visible through all that we do, to transform our workplaces, our communities, and ultimately the world around us.
