Who Do You Work For?

Who do you work for? Ever been asked that, “Who do you work for?” Or, “What do you do for a living?”  How are questions like these answered?  Mostly we hear similar responses, like a company name, or a position description, or location. Do we really work for someone or something? Does our labor define us? Should it? 

What does holy scripture say about work?

Work like God is your boss. 

In the book of First Corinthians chapter 10 verse 31, the Word says “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  So yes, we do work for someone.  Only one, and it’s not dead presidents.

Since the beginning, work has been part of God’s plan for humanity. He created it. That means you can view the act of working as a gift, even if you don’t love your job. 

Both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible speak highly of work and condemn laziness. Check out what the Apostle Paul wrote to some Christians: 

Second Thessalonians, chapter 3 verses 10-12, he says “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now, such persons, we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”
 
If you read up on Paul, you'll realize quickly he was a worker and straight-up called it from the sharpest point of the arrow of truth. Listen to him speaking in the book of Colossians chapter 3 verses 23-24, the Apostle clearly says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”  

Paul was no workaholic rather he was a laborer of the Lord.

All this talk of work, let us also not forget that we are encouraged to remember the fourth commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter… (Exodus 20:8-10).

Today many live in a culture that ignores this commandment. However, it is still important in God’s eyes. Just as God created work, He also created rest. He never meant for His people to be workaholics.


So, in closing, the next time someone asked you “Who do you work for?" Or, "What do you do for a living?" Try this answer on them, “I work for a Higher Power that cares deeply for me, my family, and my finances. How about you, who do you work for?

Works every time. 


Let us pray.

Holy Spirit, my faithful Creator, help me to continually remember You are in control. When I am anxious about all the changes at work, remind me that I am in the palm of Your caring hand. May Your grace and gentleness flow over me, teaching me to be flexible and to peacefully adapt to all change. When I must learn new skills or new procedures, or train others in new skills and procedures remind me not to be anxious. When deadlines change or a project needs to be rearranged, help me to not get upset, instead to adjust my work cheerfully for Your Glory. 

Help me Holy Spirit to always embrace the peace that comes from an optimistic spirit. 

Amen. Amen. Amen.

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