Work for the Lord Christ

Do you ever find yourself being quick to dismiss your daily work as ordinary and sometimes meaningless? Even if we don’t say it like that out loud, many times, that’s how we think about our work or treat our tasks.

It’s really hard to keep in mind that we’re not working for the approval of others because we really do want to find our work rewarding and fulfilling. We want to make an impact, we certainly don’t want all of our efforts to go unseen, and it would be especially helpful if someone would come along and tell us, “I see you and I value what you’re doing.”

But our daily acts of faithfulness are valuable and meaningful because God says they are, not because we do them perfectly or sinlessly, or because someone told us they approve of us and accept us. We don’t work to impress or to please ourselves or the people in our home, ultimately. We work, “not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” (Colossians 3:22 ESV)

Ephesians 6 uses similar language, reminding that we are to be, “doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man…”

But the rest of that verse holds the truth about how we are seen in our ordinary, every day labors: “knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.”
(Ephesians 6:6-8 ESV)

So whether you’re a mother changing 18 diapers a day, whether you’re a celebrated employee or a volunteer who isn’t sure if she’s making a difference, whether you’re on top of all your household tasks or struggling to maintain a steady pace, remember this:

You are seen and known by your Creator who has called you to work as unto him. He who has called you is faithful to accomplish his purposes in you. You are his workmanship, and he is the one who has prepared the work for you. Offer all of your efforts to him with joy and thanksgiving and trust him because, “You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:24 ESV)

This was originally written as a microblog post for Women Encouraged’s Instagram page.