Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Spirit-Filled Worker.”
Spirit-Filled Worker Series – Lesson 7 Glorifying God in the Workplace (Colossians 3:23-24) Colossians 3:23-24, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men; Knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD Christ.” Paul encouraged Christians to consider all of their efforts and labor as a service directly to the Lord. As Christian employees, we must work with a view toward God’s judgment, in both reward and discipline. We must work as though Christ were our employer, knowing that all work performed “for the Lord” will someday be rewarded (Colossians 3:24; Ephesians 6:6-8). The Spirit-filled worker is to work hard and to do their work for the Lord. This will make certain the quality of the work is admirable which is vital if one is to have a good testimony for God. What we do is ultimately to the Lord and not unto men. This certainly is true in the work place as referred to above, but also in any other venue of life. As our earthly supervisors give compensation for our labor, keep in mind, we will also receive compensation from the Lord. This life is hard and many unfortunate circumstances make life even more difficult than it already is. As a child of God, what this world offers, I do not envy. As a child of God, I’m promised a benefit package that is out of this world. The reward is called an "inheritance" which means payday is coming soon. We are promised an inheritance of eternal life in Christ. God records, remembers, and will reward you for your service for Him. Remember, your labor is not in vain (I Corinthians 15:58). Some people are recognized for their greatness in this life, while God honors others in the life to come. Henry C. Morrison was a faithful missionary who served the Lord in Africa for over 40 years. He recalls that emotional day when he and his wife boarded a ship on their way back to the United States. His mind flooded with memories of the wonderful experiences they had enjoyed on the mission field. He began wondering what it would be like to return to his Midwestern hometown. “Will anyone there still remember us?” Aboard that same ship that day with Henry and his wife was the former President of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt. He was returning from a big game hunting trip in Africa. When the ship pulled into the New York harbor, there were thousands of people there to greet him. The crowds cheered and the bands played. There were signs, banners, and billboards everywhere saying, “Welcome Home!” As the dear missionary and his wife left the ship, they saw that no one had come to welcome them back home. Not a single person was there to welcome the missionaries. With a heavy heart, Henry Morrison went to his hotel room and told his wife, “Honey, it just doesn’t seem right, for 40 years we poured our lives into ministry and service. And yet we come back to America and not a single soul comes to welcome us home, it’s as if no one cares when we return. Yet the president goes over there for a few weeks to kill some animals and the whole world takes notice!” His wife came and sat down next to her husband. She put her hand on his shoulder and said to him, “Henry, you have forgotten something. You’re not home yet!” If we forget that He is the one who rewards us, it is easy to become discouraged and apathetic. Although there is certainly a sense in which God rewards us on earth, as promotion and exaltation come from the Lord (Psalm 75:6-7), He will especially reward us in Heaven (I Corinthians 3:11-15; Matthew 25:21). POINTS TO PONDER: To glorify Christ, employees must obey with an expectation of God’s judgment and reward. No work is just work. It is a way to serve Christ. Each person is called to work. Maybe you spend long hours working with children each day, or you work a mundane office job. Never forget that this world is not your home. Serve your Saviour faithfully each day, and He will reward you for your labors — just keep in mind, you’re not home yet. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: Have you ever experienced a work environment where it was hard to maintain joy? How can we glorify Christ in the workplace? Do you ever feel like the things you do for Christ are overlooked? PRAYER: Lord, I know that my labor in your harvest is not in vain. Strengthen my hands that I may not get weary in Your work. In Jesus' name. Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Thank you for reading Lesson 7 of Spirit-Filled Worker Series. And the Series in its entirety.
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AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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