Daily Reading: Ephesians 6
Scripture Focus: Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord. (Ephesians 6.7-8)
Devotional Thought: I love those bumper stickers - often seen on contractor's trucks - "My boss is a Jewish Carpenter." In this day of pandemic-induced shutdowns, supply chain labor shortages, and government-subsidized unemployment, perhaps this counsel from the Apostle Paul is timely: work as if working for the Lord Jesus himself!
I wonder how our work ethic would change if we worked for Jesus...
Rendering service: This means literally "to serve as a slave." Slaves served their masters' interests. Today as we work, it would help us to remember a few things: I have my job because of the owner or company; I have agreed to work for a certain sum and under certain conditions; If my boss/company succeeds, I hope to prosper along with the business.
With a good will: Here Paul instructed workers to work with enthusiasm and kindness. In short, they were to have a good attitude. Would I be as grumpy at work if Jesus were my supervisor? Would I try to avoid work if Jesus were counting on me? I think I would be kind and enthusiastic at work! That’s the way we should do our jobs. That’s the way to get the job done and to get ahead.
He will receive back from the Lord: We earn our pay at work, and it should be a fair wage. When we do our work as to the Lord, however, there is something more awaiting us. Jesus recognizes our service and our good will. He pays us far and above what we might sacrifice. It’s like getting a bonus, but this bonus is “out of this world”! When our work ethic and attitude honor God, he will reward us!
Are you rendering service with a good will as to the Lord?
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for my job and income in the past year. I consecrate myself to do my best work in the year ahead, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! (Psalms 150:1-6)
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