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“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.” Colossians 3:23-24

If you have a job, you probably have a boss. (Well, you actually may be the boss—but we’ll get to that in a minute.) And no matter whether we sweep floors or balance spreadsheets, serve meals or mend broken bones, or teach kids or win customers, the work we do is assessed by someone else. We get raises, earn promotions, and even get fired based on our job performance. Moreover, sometimes we love our direct manager—his or her style, attitude, fairness. Other times, not so much, and we have to grin and bear it through each day.

So, what motivates you as you get ready to go to work every morning? (Granted, for many of us, “getting ready” these days is pulling on the same stretchy pants we had on yesterday, and maybe donning a decent top and brushing our hair—if there’s a video meeting on the agenda.) Do you think, “I can’t wait to add up those accounting columns!” Or, “I’m so excited to be yelled at by impatient customers today!” Or even, “I’m lucky to have a job, so I’ll do it.”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure many of us love what we actually do for work—I do, truly. It’s all the other “stuff” and “those people” that can make it frustrating.

What’s the point in all this? Well, did you know that we Christians are called to have one primary motivation in our work—a singular reason to do our very best, every day? Sisters, the Lord is our boss! We are to work for Him and serve Him in whatever we do. And, yes, even if you own the company or work as an independent contractor, He’s your boss too. Each of us is accountable, first and foremost, to God alone.

Let me tell you from experience, this mindset changes everything. Regardless of the complaining or bad attitudes around us, we can choose kindness and gratefulness to reflect the character of our True Master. If our tasks are mundane and boring, we can bring a song of joy into them, knowing each action is meaningful to the Lord. When the job is difficult and overwhelming, we can bring that burden to Him, asking for the wisdom and strength to finish well.

And sisters, when we make the decision to “work heartily unto the Lord,” others will notice. No one may say anything to you—and that’s ok. We’re serving Jesus for His glory and our ultimate good (1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 8:28). So, shine your light at work (Matthew 5:16), and when someone asks why you have the attitude you do, tell them Who it is you’re really working for…tell them Who’s the Boss.

“Lord, in whatever I do, may I do all to Your glory.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith

TRBC Women’s Life