The Game Changer

Who do you work for? Why do you do the things you do? Are you a hard worker or do you do enough to get by? Do you do what is expected of you or do you go beyond expectations? When your mom asks you to wash the dishes, do you mop the floor as well? When your boss gives you a deadline, do you try to be a day or two early? How are you looking at life?

The Bible is a serious thing and apparently God has written it on our heart through the Holy Spirit. But sometimes we don't get it because we still don't realize that we are no longer citizens of this planet but of the Kingdom of Jesus. This means that all the patterns, rules, way of thinking and attitudes have changed. Our motivation for living and working has changed. The foundation of our life has changed. A few days ago we examined this scripture:

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

We discussed that "in the name of the Lord Jesus" means in his authority. We operate in the authority of Jesus Christ; in our actions and in our words. Now let's build on that with a verse we find not far from this one:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24)

There is the game changer. We don't work for men but for Jesus. God places us in certain places to be an influence for him. We are there representing Jesus, as a bus boy or a company manager. It doesn't matter where God has placed us and what the work of our hand is, it is all for his glory. When our mom asks us to do the dishes, as much as we love her, we do it for Jesus not for her. If we realized it was Jesus asking us to do the dishes I am sure we would only be too happy to clean the whole house.

If we realized what it is we are doing and who we are doing it for there would be no more half-measures. We would put our whole heart into the most meagre tasks and people would notice. We don't do it to get a better position or more pay. We don't do it for better recognition. We don't do it to feel good. Our reward is not in this place; we know we are receiving an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Knowing this means we are all that much more generous with our time and energy. No, we do these things in obedience to the one we love.

It is the Lord Jesus we are serving not man, and that should make a huge difference in our attitude and work ethic. When we tell people we love Jesus it should be seen in the work of our hands. They should see it in our attitude toward others, including brothers, sisters, and grumpy bosses. Our work place should see a difference in us; they should see Jesus. And when they see how the Lord blesses and multiplies the work of our hands they will want to know more about our incredible King. A slack attitude, lack of joy and a grumpy face only robs people of seeing God's glory and perhaps their salvation. Realize God has purpose in all these things and serve him with all your heart.