Work, an act of worship

Jesus teaches us that work is a wonderful activity that was taught from the beginning of time. God, himself was a hard worker, as attested by scripture in Genesis one. His work consisted of the creation, which was making “everything” that ever existed. So one would suppose that would qualify Him to be a hard worker. After creating everything He took a day of rest. And He being perfect, we would suppose He worked hard enough to need rest; or maybe He was teaching us by example to rest. But either way, He made us in His image, which seems to indicate that work is pretty significant to Him. Also, since we were created in His image, when we work, we are doing something Godlike, at least, that which was a part of His image. So each day, when we check into work, we should go energetically, recognizing that we are uniquely made to do the job He has for us. For many years, 20 to be exact, I trudged into work day after day, not enjoying my creation, as I should have been. Just a few years before my retirement, I woke up to the fact one day of how blessed I was just to have an opportunity work. The art of work itself comes easy for me, and I am a very hard worker, as long as I enjoy what I am doing. After retirement, I started to work again doing the things I love doing. Now it is easy for me to enjoy every minute of the work I am involved in. Now having the liberty and freedom to do a work that I enjoy, has brought a peace in my heart that I had not previously experienced. I look back, and think, if only I had been able before to see work from God’s perspective, I might have been more fruitful. At the same time, I do not look back with a lot of regrets, because I know that every day I sat down at my desk, I was learning something that was preparing me for the job I am doing now. That very thought excites me. If we treat our work, as an act of worship, done for His glory we are able to go through a day much more relaxed and at peace. We will understand that taking care of His creation is indeed an act of worship. Working to care for our families is an act of worship. And as we work through our daily chores, we are told to make disciples. Therefore work can become an act of Evangelism. As you are going, make disciples. Matthew 28:19 a. Note the command is in making disciples. All work is a means of bringing honor and dignity into our lives. And there is indeed dignity in just doing ordinary things, like sitting behind a desk, driving a truck, repairing computers, performing surgeries or standing behind the laborers work bench. He is right there beside us in preparing songs, music or messages, if that happens to be our work. All the while He offers us a means of discipline in the careers we have chosen. So work is important, it should be pleasurable, and it certainly is a means of helping us keep food on our tables. Perhaps that is the reason He tells us; “if a man will not work, he shall not eat.” II Thess. 3:10b. So, if you are not already doing so, I challenge you to join me in a new approach I am now taking in my work. Breathe this little prayer as you check into your office, or work place. Lord, here I am your willing servant ready to start the day serving you. Make each minute of this day count for your glory. And each minute you give me to labor in your service, make me aware that you may be placing someone in my path, who is watching me. Perhaps that individual is not one of your children. So help me be the example to them that I should be. May I do or say something that would set them on a path to finding you. And Lord may every desk, counter, dash board, work bench, or field, be made into an altar of worship so that we can worship you, the creator of each unique profession. Dock Caton 04/25/12