The Way Of The WorkSample

## You and Your Work Your work matters to God. All of us work. Not all of us are employed, but we all work. Work includes volunteer work, housework, schoolwork, yard work, and other forms of work. God made us to work. He works, and because we are made in his image, we work. Work is a big part of our lives, and God wants it to be a source of fulfillment and satisfaction, not a source of frustration and drudgery. In Ephesians 6, Paul addresses slaves in the Roman Empire who are followers of Christ. In verse 7, he gives them the guiding principle behind all of our work as Christians: “Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man.” Here is the fundamental principle for every Christian in all of our work: Work for the Lord. The principle is simple but profound, and it can transform our work. As followers of Jesus, we do not work for a human boss, customers, clients, or patients. Nor do we work for a paycheck or for retirement. Rather, we work for the Lord. We work to please the Lord and to honor him. We work as an expression of worship to God. Indeed, because we do it for the Lord, our work is transformed into worship. Every little act of work becomes invested with meaning and dignity because we do it for Jesus. Howard Hendricks, who was a mentor of mine in seminary school, once told me about his being on an American Airlines flight that was delayed for six hours. As you can imagine, the passengers became irate. One man was especially difficult with a flight attendant, and yet the flight attendant was a model of grace and kindness. After a long while, Hendricks remarked to the flight attendant, “I have been extremely impressed with the way you handled that difficult passenger. Could I have your name so that I can write the company you work for?” Her answer surprised him. “Sir, thank you very, very much. But you should know that I do not work for American Airlines. Sir, I work for Jesus Christ.” She went on to explain that she had been a Christian for six months, and three months ago, she had led her husband to the Lord. Their lives had been completely transformed. Before every trip, they prayed together for her ministry on the flight. She was a brand-new Christian who understood what work is all about. Ultimately, work is an act of worship. Whenever you work, whatever you do, do it for the Lord. For you, Lord, for you. Transform your work into worship.