Perspectives in the Work Place

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Ephesians 6:7 New Living Translation

I enjoy my job. It is like none other that I have ever had. For a total of 15 years I taught lower elementary in several Christian schools. For 8 years I did assembly work in my home for a slogan button company. I have worked as a counselor in a Christian camp, supervised at a day camp, and even did some day care work. For the past two and a half years I have worked in an education warehouse….particularly in inventory control. Most of my day is spent on an order picker (see attached photo) whereby I check the quantity of products in locations.

Today’s verse allows me to do my job in a way that surpasses any other means of motivation. For I find that everything changes when I view it as being done for God. Working for Him gives my work significance, importance, and purpose. How in the world can I view a task done for Him as mundane, unessential, or demeaning? When I see God as my supervisor, employer, and inspector it affects my performance and the quality of my work. If I limit my service to just what people see and expect I will settle for less than my best.

My relationship with God carries over into my work place. It affects the way I interact with my coworkers. It affects my productivity. It affects the seriousness with which I do my job. God will set the standard higher than ANY person I work for. Far from being a task master, God provides me with the ability, strength, and desire to do what I do. His approval and pleasure means more to me than what my coworkers or bosses think. His opinion is what counts!

We make a big mistake when we label some jobs as “Christian service” and other jobs as “secular work.” Within the kingdom of God it is all the same. If it is done according to His will in faithfulness and sincerity it is godly ministry. My work becomes a means whereby I acknowledge and worship God on a daily basis.

Do I plan to work at this same place for the rest of my life? Not really. I have dreams and desires that God and I talk about quite often. But for now, He has a purpose for me in the place He has me. During this time He is instilling character and growth in me and I do not want to miss out on any lesson of life! It is my job, my ministry, my calling, and my place…for now.

Father, You instituted work from the beginning. May I always realize the truth that it is not what I do but Who I do it for that matters most! Amen.