Taking It to Work:
It’s easy to forget that the kind of worker we are, reflects the kind of person we are to others. When we work, we are unknowingly telling a story of who we are. People are always watching, and if we claim to be a Christian, sometimes they watch us that much harder. Our attitude, our degree of helpfulness and overall work ethic become part of the story they read in us – our testimony, one that will either bring glory to God, or not so much.
In the Bible, the word “love” is expressed much more as service, than an emotion. John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world, that he gave . . .” That giving was the ultimate act of love, the ultimate act of service. That single act of service, almost clearer than anything else in the Bible, shows the true character and love of God. Jesus’ “work ethic” was surely one of service. His love for us and His service to us are inseparable, as were His words, as they all flowed from the perfect heart of God.
When we serve at work, when we use our lips to encourage and build those around us, and when we sacrifice our time and resources for others, we are literally and biblically loving them. When we do our jobs well, serving with all we’ve got, putting our “all” into whatever task is asked or expected of us, it is truly a reflection of Christ and what we should be displaying as Christians.
Make no mistake, your life and service to others is telling a story. It is part of your “living testimony”, and it’s read carefully by those around you, as His Word works in you, today.
John 3:16 (ESV) – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Titus 2:9-10 (ESV) – Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Col 3:17 (ESV) – And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
1John 3:18 (ESV) – Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
John 17:4 (ESV) – I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
Listening to the Holy Spirit:
Those who serve must be of mind to serve completely, for this pleases your Father. Half-hearted response hinders your testimony of your claim to My lordship. Deeds and the words of the mouth should speak the same. The wellspring of speech, and the diligence of the hand, stem both from the redeemed heart, reflecting My own. For I did not hold back My service, for My love of man is complete, therefore My sacrifice also. Serve heartily those to whom you have pledged service, for in dong so, your testimony is strengthened, and they whom in which you labor will doubt neither you nor the God you serve. Your love for them, and the love of your God, is revealed in service, and thus your testimony of Me to them.
