Message summary: May you experience the joy of the Lord in your work today!

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"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23,24).

Last week I observed a lot of hard work when I went with a group of Amish youth to North Carolina for hurricane relief. One of the observations I made was that these young people actually enjoy working, which is key to a fulfilling life. When we work we are pulling our own weight, being responsible and serving others. Consider how you are serving others in your job.

Scripture issues some politically incorrect warnings on laziness. All of Proverbs 6 beginning with verse 1, "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise". Paul warned against idleness in 2 Thessalonians 3 and specifically writes that believers are to "do their work quietly and to earn their own living" (v.12).

Long ago the acronym "TGIF" was developed (Thank God it’s Friday) to describe the final day of the five day workweek. This common expression insinuates the supposed drudgery of work.

But it is God's will that we recognize each day, including work days, as a gift for which we are to rejoice in and be thankful. "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).

In the second daily Scripture portion the Apostle Paul is addressing slaves. This may be a turnoff to some, but in the text we can learn a very important Biblical principle. Slavery was a common practice throughout much of the Roman world in the New Testament age. Paul was merely addressing conditions as they were, not as an endorsement, but an acknowledgement of reality.

Over time the application of Christian principles led to the abolition of slavery. Consider William Wilberforce; in 1785, he underwent a conversion experience and became an Evangelical Anglican, which resulted in major changes to his lifestyle and a lifelong concern for reform.

Sometimes you may feel like a slave to your boss or employer, but you really know better! If you wish you can walk off the job right now, although there would likely be some very consequential ramifications!

Paul says to these slaves concerning their work, "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord".  Another version states, “Work at it with all your heart". We should apply these same principles in our work ethic toward our employers. In whatever we do, our work should be "as to the Lord".

Our underlying motivation is the future inheritance we will receive from the Lord. And what is that inheritance; it's our home in heaven that will "never perish, spoil or fade".  When we work with this attitude Scripture teaches us that in some remarkable way it is the Lord Jesus Christ whom we are serving more so than our employer!

Today, remember that your work matters to God. Assuming that you are not involved in a type of work that is Scripturally prohibited, your work and the diligence in which you perform is a means of honoring God. (If your work is immoral God can miraculously provide another job as you take a spiritual stand and commit the matter to Him.)  The very next verse states: “Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong” (Colossians 3:25).

May you experience the joy of the Lord in your work today!

B e encouraged today! Hebrews 3:13