By Jared Kirk
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24
One day two men were laying bricks side-by-side in the sun. As the foreman approached to check on them he couldn't help but notice that the first man was obviously going through the motions, doing just enough to earn a paycheck at the end of the day. Meanwhile, the second man was going to town with passion and seemingly excited about the same work. Curious, the foreman asked the first man what he was doing. "Laying bricks," he said with an eye roll. Then the foreman turned to the second man still enthusiastically laying bricks and asked him what he was doing. "Building a cathedral," came the reply.
Perspective.
Your perspective on your work makes all the difference. In Colossians 3:23-24, God teaches us to see all of work as something to be done for the Lord. In other words work can be worship. But all work isn't worship. It all depends on who you are working for.
This truth is powerful when you can't stand your boss. This truth is powerful when you are overqualified for your work. This truth is powerful when you are tempted to cut corners.
But allow me to bring this inside the walls of the church building for a moment. When we prepare for the gathering of the church, there are all kinds of work to be done and some of it is pretty thankless. But the difference between servants who last, and those who burn out is perspective. Are you working or are you worshipping?
When you are setting up chairs.
When you are mopping floors.
When you are filling communion cups.
When you are spending time on the floor with toddlers.
When you are cleaning bathrooms.
You might just be working. But if you "work heartily as for the Lord and not for men," then you are worshipping. And "from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward."
So glad that our church is filled with worshippers. Let us press on working onto the Lord.
Jared Kirk is the lead pastor and founder of Renewal Church.
