Worshipful Work
In our last article, we explored how Genesis 1-2 teaches that work is good, not God, and can be a way to worship Him. But how do we practically turn our 9-to-5 into an act of worship? Ephesians 6:5-9, written to slaves in the early church, shows that even the most grueling work can glorify God. If slaves could worship through their labor, so can we. Here are four characteristics of worshipful work:
1. Respectful Work
Ephesians 6:5 urges employees to serve their bosses with respect. This command echoes across the New Testament (Colossians 3:22, 1 Timothy 6:1). You might say, “My boss isn’t a Christian. He’s making my life miserable .” What a fantastic opportunity! Peter commanded persecuted believers to be subject to their masters in fear, “Not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.” We are most like Christ when we repay evil with good and mistreatment with respect.
Another might say, “My boss is a Christian! I can do whatever I want.” Look at Paul’s instructions to employees with believing bosses: “And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit.” Don’t take advantage of their graciousness because they are brothers or sisters; work doubly hard for them.
Disrespect undermines your witness, whether toward a harsh boss or a kind one. For those who are bosses, remember that every boss has a Boss. Every boss will stand before the Lord Jesus and give an account for the power and position that God gave them. Bosses should respect their employees, and employees should respect their bosses. Worshipful work is respectful work.
2. Wholehearted Work
We must work “in singleness of heart, as to the Lord.” If your job is a calling, it deserves your best effort. A story about a contractor illustrates this: tasked by his boss with building a house, he cut corners to pocket extra money, only to learn that he was building his own home. Had he known, he would’ve done his best. The Christian has an even higher motive: we work for the glory of God. We bear God’s name and represent Him to a watching world. The jobs we do and the things that we make not only reflect upon us, they reflect upon Him. So Christian work is ultimately work well done.
3. Consecrated Work
Ephesians 6:6 calls us to do “the will of God from the heart.” No task is “just work.” While her husband preached to great crowds around the world, Ruth Graham hung a sign above the sink in her kitchen to remind her of the importance of her job. It read, “Divine service performed here every day.” Washing dishes was God’s will for her, so she did it from the heart as an act of worship. Anything can be worship if we do our best for God.
4. Expectant Work
Ephesians 6:8 promises that “whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord…” Every task done for God’s glory will be rewarded in eternity. That was a radical thought for slaves, who received little earthly recognition or compensation. Whether you’re preaching a sermon or mowing a lawn, if it’s done for God, it’s noticed by God. No vacation home can compare with the home He is building for you in Heaven. No title or recognition can compare with the title of joint-heir with Jesus. God’s retirement benefits are literally out of this world. Every task you do for the glory of God, as an act of worship, will be rewarded by God.
Your work is one of the most significant ways to worship God with your life. By making it respectful, wholehearted, consecrated, and expectant, you transform your 9-to-5 into an offering to Him. Turn your work into worship, and it will bring eternal rewards to you and eternal glory to God.
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