Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Colossians 3:23
REFLECT
God is not just present in the spiritual summits or holidays of our life, but He is present in the rhythm or grind of daily life experiences. Daily routines, laundry, errands, texts, emails, etc. can feel dull and repetitive. When we do everything with all our heart, even the ordinary can be done for the Glory of God!
The book of Colossians was written by the apostle Paul to Christians in the ancient city of Colossae.
It contains counsel and wisdom to help Christians of all backgrounds and circumstances to worship God in unity (Colossians 3:11).
It also encourages them to reflect God’s qualities, such as love, kindness, and mercy (Colossians 3:12-14).
Paul also explains how worship of God should affect every aspect of a person’s life (Colossians 3:18-4:1).
As a Christian, we should strive to be a hard, dedicated worker and serve others well, whether we are in full time ministry or called to the marketplace. We must remember that our attitude towards serving or work is linked to our worship of Jehovah God!
It is wonderful to know when we are serving our communities, family or mobilizing unified public prayer for America, we are doing it with all of our heart and strength. When we are trying to do our job or a daily task, and our heart is not connected it simply feels like we are going through the motions.
Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:12 to put our focus on the Lord as though whatever we are doing is for Him. We are reminded to invite God into our daily grind and offer each task as an act of worship.
Our Lord knows us inside and out, and know this…He always knows when we are not giving our whole heart in a task. God sees deep within our souls, and He knows what course corrections are needed. May we humble ourselves to Him, and seek to hear His voice in these times. He sees our struggles and He knows well what we dread relative to our job or other responsibilities.
The Lord desires that we work wholeheartedly in all that we set our hand to.
Speaking of Work or Service, We praise God for the opportunity to live in a nation that celebrates the accomplishments of laborers and those who have helped make our country what it is today.
Labor Day is, unofficially, the end of summer! It is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The holiday is observed with barbecues and other family and public gatherings, ball games and for some, a “last” trip to the beach. Schools, colleges and professional football seasons get underway following the holiday.
Labor Day is also a day to remember the One who made us and who holds us in the palm of His hand. It is a day to pray for just and honest work by those who have jobs, employment for those in need of a job, and rest for all who are weary. We also want to remember and pray for law enforcement personnel, medical professionals, and anyone else who must work on this holiday.
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 brings in His image to be workers. When God made Adam and Eve, He gave them work to do; cultivating and caring for the earth.”
Let us continue to honor, serve and worship God, our Creator, in all of our labor!
Join in this Labor Day prayer:
Father, help us to put our whole heart in all that we do. Bless the work of our hands as we do Your will! May we be Joyful as we obey Your laws and search for you with all our hearts ( Psalm 119:2). We know that every good work is seen by You, even if no other person sees or witnesses it. “The eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him…” 2 Chronicles 16:9a. Lord, cause us to walk, work, and worship with the utmost integrity! In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
In Christ,
Gwen Bradley
National Liaison for Prayer Mobilization and Partnerships
Southeast National Area Leader