We have separated Christian work between the secular and the sacred. There are ordinary Christians with normal jobs and then there are the “really spiritual” Christians who are pastors or missionaries. We have the idea that to be truly spiritual we must have a full-time profession in a job that has spiritual undercurrents throughout it. This fallacy assumes, for one, that work is who you are; either a teacher or a lawyer or a janitor as if those things were intrinsic to your person. Secondly, and perhaps worse, it assumes that only those who are in visible ways advancing the Kingdom are the only doing any true spiritual work. It is my assertion that all work is spiritual work.
Let me say that again, ALL work is spiritual work. Another way to look at it is that all work is sacred work. (I am not talking about immoral professions but all honest employment). We are to do everything in his name, this means that all of our endeavors are dedicated to him and have merit. Colossians 3:17 says “”and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This is for whatever work it is that you are doing, digging a ditch, washing dishes, making a spreadsheet, or preaching a sermon. In fact God receives more honor from a man who cleans toilets for the name of Jesus, than from a pastor who preaches for his own reputation.
Notice that I am not mentioning using your job to evangelize or provide a Christian witness or so that you can support missionaries. While these things may be honoring, I am talking about the intrinsic value to God of any work dedicated to him. Just as a father treasures the horrible crayon picture from his children, so to God is glorified by the submission of our mundane careers to him. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” This is not teaching to work hard so that your boss can have a good view of Christians, this bypasses any man you are working for and places your activities directly to God. We should ratchet screws for Christ, type reports for Christ, handle accounting for Christ. When I dedicate my drilling of holes to him, God is glorified.
Ephesians 6:8 echos this passage “Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” We must remember that our lives are to glorify God. Though we may never have hundreds of weeping converts at our feet, if we are serving God by the work that he has given us to do, then we are pleasing to him. No one may see it, no one may recognize it, no one may be converted or commend you for it, but God will be glorified. Remember the widows mite and how she put in a small portion yet Jesus stopped to honor her more than any of the other givers that day. (Mark 12:38-44) The other donations were far more money and would do much more “good” for the poor and others. Yet God was honored by her just giving what she had. Remember, God does not need our money, he doesn’t need our service, he doesn’t need us to evangelize. We do not help God; we submit to him and dedicate what we do for him to glorify him.
Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner once said “”I believe that God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. When I run, I feel His pleasure.” Running brings no one to Christ, does not promote Christian fellowship, does not found churches, for all intents and purposes it is a frivolous activity. But when something as silly as running is done for God, he is pleased. Let us honor him in all that we do.
This article is very encouraging. I want to serve God in everything that I do!