Ephesians 6:1-9

I’m sure that if Jesus came to you today and asked you to do something, that you would do it to the best of your ability. You will pull out all the stops and nothing would be too much trouble to carry out Jesus’ instructions, not so?

The big question is whether we do the same at work. Do you do everything possible at work? Do you always give your best? Do you do everything as if doing it for Jesus?

There are very direct, clear and understandable instructions about how we should work in the world: 5Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. 6Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do.

We as Christians should set the example. We must show the other employees and the employers how things are done. We must give our best in all circumstances. We must do everything as if we are doing it for Jesus.

And then people immediately respond by saying: I definitely do not work for Jesus. My boss is not nearly like Him. Absolutely not! He or she is actually a good-for-nothing this or that and I struggle to respect him or her. You can’t even listen to such a person.

But we must work hard in all circumstances, because you see, we’re not actually working for that boss. We actually work for God: 7And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God.

This is indeed an opportunity to witness. We can show our co-workers and our boss that we can keep on smiling, despite the circumstances. We can still work that extra mile. We can live love despite a lack of love, because we work for a different boss. Then the focus of our work is not that employer here on earth, but God. When we realise that we actually work for God, of way of doing things looks different. Then we can smile and radiate love, even if the circumstances here on earth are difficult.

God calls each of us to make a difference and remember, that is everywhere we go. Also in the work place. And it is at work that we really have the opportunity to spread the gospel. Without words. Simply with our actions we can show our colleagues and employers what Jesus had done in our lives. Later they will also thirst for it and ask what is making you so different.

Do not ever let this opportunity to witness slip away. Do not get caught up in other people’s talk and join in putting others down. Do not join others in stealing from your work time and do things on computer and on the internet that is not permissible during working hours. Remember that you actually work for Jesus.

When your focus changes and you no longer focus on your earthly boss, but on God, everything changes. Suddenly you no longer need to worry about that difficult meeting, because your Divine Boss will cover for you. But even more, your conduct, your way of doing, will change. People will experience your difference. Love will flow from you daily. Others will be different because of you, because you no longer work for an earthly boss, but for your heavenly Boss.

Reflection

How do you work?

For whom do you work?

Do others change because of you?

Prayer

Father, it’s not always easy to work. I know I have to work as if everything is for You, but I struggle. I struggle to see the picture where You are the Boss. Please help me to work for You. Amen