Colossians 3: 23-24
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
In my early adult years until my late forties, I struggled with the bondage of perfectionism in all of my work. I don’t hesitate to use the word “bondage,” for that is what it was—I was a prisoner to the chains of self-induced performance standards to gain approval. Breaking free didn’t come easily, and there are times, even now, when a “heart-check” is required to ensure what is actually motivating me to do particular tasks. Freedom came with an understanding of my true identity in Christ, which also enabled me to understand how to walk in the Spirit and not in my flesh, to the glory of God. No longer was my work, which included serving the Lord, motivated by the desire to gain God’s love and approval, as well as that of others. My perspective on work was changed forever by embracing His unconditional love for me, as well as grasping the truth of the scriptures, which helped me understand God’s view of the value of work.
As our nation celebrates Labor Day, should we, as Christians, have a different view of today’s holiday? Is work the result of the Fall? Does our labor have less spiritual significance than activities we perform for God? From the preaching of Martin Luther came the conviction that any honest work, whether ministering the gospel or scrubbing floors, pleases the Lord. We can thank him for what is known as the Protestant work ethic.
Noted author and founder of Prison Fellowship, the late Chuck Colson, wrote this:
“I for one am happy to join the celebration of working-class heroes, especially today. Christians have a special reason to celebrate Labor Day, which honors the fundamental dignity of workers, for we worship a God Who labored to make the world, and Who created human beings in His image to be workers. When God made Adam and Eve, He gave them work to do: cultivating and caring for the earth.”
Having a different perspective has not diminished my desire to be a tireless and passionate worker, in whatever I do: writing devotions, keeping the home, serving my husband and family, loving our neighbors, and opening our home for hospitality and, until recently, owning and running a business, and leading women’s Bible studies.
As I get older, the saying, “I can still do what I have always done, it just takes me longer,” is certainly true these days. A sense of urgency spurs me on to continue to make the most of each day in whatever He has called me to do. Chuck Colson also said this: “Each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” May we all continue our work assignments, as the Lord leads and equips, until the time when we receive “the reward of the inheritance.”
Father in heaven, we thank You that You created work for us that produces fruit in our lives, beyond what we can see. Help us to be faithful to the tasks You have assigned and to remember to seek Your guidance and listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. With thankful hearts, we will glorify You as we reap the results and look forward to the promise of the rewards to come. We ask in Your name. Amen.
~ painting by Ernest Chateignon
I am honored that you have taken the time to read my devotion today and pray that it encourages you and glorifies God. To receive Devotions For All Reasons in your email every day, go to devotionsforallreasons.com and simply click on “Subscribe.”
Thank you for today’s encouraging devotion. I have been struggling with perfectionism and OCD. I didn’t think it was all bad until I catch myself wanting to do all the work because I don’t like the way others do what I ask of them. I need to remember that no one is perfect and to trust the Lord with all imperfections.
Hello, Isabel ~ oh, how that does sound like me, or at least my former self! The key to moving away from the bondage of perfection lies in three things. First: understanding your identity in Christ, that there is not one thing you have to do by performance to earn His love; you are His and He loves you already just the way you are. Second: understand that it is the Holy Spirit’s business to lead you in what He has gifted you to do; make sure you are doing things in the Spirit, not in the flesh. If He isn’t leading you to do something, you probably shouldn’t do it. Third: and this was hard for me because we want things to be perfect, but sometimes “good enough” is good enough. Striving for excellence in all we do is a commendable goal, but sometimes it is simply not possible. You will find much more joy in the journey by allowing yourself to let go. May you be a blessing to others as you seek to serve Him in humility and love. ~ Marsha