Ordinary work can be an act of worship when it is done for the Lord.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”Colossians 3:23 (KJV)
What does “Work” mean in Colossians 3:23?
The Greek word for heartily literally means from the soul. Paul says that whatever we do, we should give it our whole heart, as if we were working for the Lord Himself.
Going deeper
Paul wrote this instruction to believers in a world where many people did difficult and unrewarded work. He gave them a new way to see it. The real audience is not the boss or the customer but the Lord. That means no job is meaningless. Cooking a meal, cleaning a floor, writing a report, or caring for a child can all be offered to God as worship.
This truth is both freeing and challenging. It frees us from being crushed by unappreciated work, because God sees it. And it challenges us to do our work well, without cutting corners. Consider your work this week, whether paid or unpaid. How would it change your attitude if you thought of it as work for the Lord? Ask Him to give you a fresh sense of purpose in what you do, and offer it to Him as a gift. Faithful work is never wasted in His eyes.
Reflect
What ordinary task this week could you do wholeheartedly as if for the Lord?
Pray
Lord, I offer You my work. Help me to do it with all my heart, and let it be a gift to You and a blessing to others. In Jesus' name, amen.
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