Week 8 | Friday
Friday
Written by Carla Hughes (Lithopolis Campus)
Ephesians 6:7
“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people.”
I also had the privilege of working with a man named Harold as a high school student working at a farm market. Harold was deaf, did not know sign language and had weathered a hard life by the time our paths crossed. And yet he worked harder than any other person I had ever met. His work was manual labor – lifting and loading. He always showed joy about his work and, with hand gestures, would offer to help others with their work. He always made me feel seen and welcomed. One day he generously brought me a gift from what little he had. I will always remember the way he worked and cared for others.
Years later, I got to work with a man named Dr. Jim. He was humble, incredibly intelligent , and always worked hard, never seeking attention for himself. His focus was the children he cared for and their families. His work reflected his heart for people and God. And in a jam packed clinic he looked and worked differently. And that is why I began to ask him questions. I was not yet a follower of Jesus and I did not understand. But I knew he was unique.
These two men exemplified the core of this scripture – to work with all our hearts as though we are working for God himself. A selfless kind of working. This is an “others” mindset – where we serve our boss and the people we work with in a way that is consistently excellent. We work as though we are slaves of Christ (verse 6). As such, our master is those in authority over us (like our boss). And that work happens consistently – not just when our boss is nearby and not just if we like our boss. When we work in this way we reflect the heart of God for serving people – those in authority and those who are not. Whether we shovel dirt or sign executive orders, we are to work with intentionality, perseverance, and excellence in ways that serve others and honor God. Our work ethic points people to God.
Reflection Questions:
- What does your work ethic say about you?
- What is one thing you could change in your work habits that would more deeply reflect this godly work ethic?
- What are barriers hindering you from working like this? Pray over these.
Prayer Prompt:
“God, thank you for your Word that gives us instruction for all areas of our lives, including work and respecting authority. Please show me where I am struggling to reflect this work ethic and respect, so I can repent and change. Thank you for giving me this work to do.”