How we work says a lot about our relationship with God. According to the Bible, Christians are to approach their employment as a service to the King of kings. We are told that regardless of who our employer might be, our real “Boss” Monday through Friday is Jesus Christ himself. And that realization should up the quality of anyone’s work. Scripture couldn’t be clearer: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Col.3:23). That means we will never be the kind of employee who only works hard when the company’s supervisor happens to be watching. Instead, we will “obey in everything” not as “people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord” (Col.3:22).
This will require a conscious shift in our thinking, from merely putting enough effort into our work to “get by” to an all-out pursuit of a standard that is worthy of our Redeemer. Godliness demands that we keep Christ clearly in view when we set out to tackle those projects, assignments and tasks that fill our workweek. As we do so, we can be assured that the truly meaningful paychecks and promotions are stored up in heaven, regardless of whether or not our earthly bosses acknowledge our good work.
So adjust your focus this week and aim at excellence. Make sure you are the best you can possibly be at your job, knowing that ultimately “you are serving the Lord Christ” (Col.3:24).