Putting God First at Work - Week 3

I had the opportunity to visit my sister and brother-in-law’s church this weekend to celebrate my niece's graduation from high school.  The pastor, Dennis Wiles, preached on work.  He shared with the graduating seniors to get used to the phrase, “get a job!”.  He was able to get a couple of laughs from the people, but then proceeded to show us through scripture how the magnificent architect, God, has always planned for His people to work.  

Scripture: Genesis 1 & 2, Proverbs 12:11-24

To take it to the next level, when we work, how do we keep with this theme of keeping God first in our lives?  Read this comment from Brian Anderson, founding pastor of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in North Phoenix, Arizona.

Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men." So when God is first in our lives, we are working for Him. We are not really working for our bosses, our companies, our managers, or our corporations. We are really working for God. This means that I must honor Him in the way I work. One of the ways this is "walked out" in daily life is that I don't take advantage of my workplace. I don't take supplies from the offices. I don't pad my expense account. I don't take long breaks and lunches, even though I know I could get away with it. I come to work on time and don't leave early, even though I know my boss wouldn't know. I honor the fine print in a contract. I make only necessary repairs. Why? Because I am working for the Lord rather than for men, I am putting God first in my work, and as I do that, I am worshipping.

This approach to work can be transformational.  It is a total paradigm shift in your thinking of work.  It is taking your relationship with the Lord to the next level.  Not only is he the Lord of your family (away from your work), but He is the center of how you make a living or how you consume your time to diligently work during the day.  Putting God first in your work brings clarity and purpose to how you handle your work, your relationships at work and your focus while at work.  Imagine this approach to your day - you will begin to learn that your work is worship to God.

My encouragement is to try this simple exercise for yourself and see if you can notice a difference tomorrow in your workplace.  Whether you are a school teacher, engineer, business person, firefighter, CEO or a stay at home parent, view your work in the reflection of Colossians 3:23 and watch what God will do when you place him first in your work.