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 in order to gain approval. Breaking free didn’t come easily and there are times even now when a “heart-check” is required to make sure 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 the love and approval of God and 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, leading Bible studies for women, opening our home for adult Bible studies, loving our neighbors and, until recently, owning and running a business.
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
