Work Is Worship

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23)

One of the first lessons we learn about God in the Bible is that he is a working God. The creation story in Genesis 1 & 2 records a God who works. Jesus said “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” (John 5:17). In creation his creation, God also ordained work for humans: Adam was tasked to work and keep the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:15). Work therefore rightly viewed is a commandment from God.

What work must I do, one may ask? The Bible doesn’t give us those details; it doesn’t tell us what type of work or profession we must engage in. We must all decide that with wisdom taking into consideration our gifts, abilities and opportunities available.

However, the Bible does tell us we must work: “Whatever you do, work heartily.” This is a clear inference of work. Paul further tells us the attitude we must have towards work; “heartily” he said. This means giving our all to whatever we do. Working from our hearts; our innermost being. Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 9:10 explains further the attitude we must have towards work:

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

Now, there are many reasons for which we engage in work; but the most paramount of them all is that work is service to God: “work heartily, as for the Lord.” Work is an extension of our service to God. Work is worship. Further, Paul tells us work is not for men. That phrase means we must not be men pleasers. There is a bigger eye watching us–bigger than the eyes of our human superiors. God sees all we do and shall be held accountable:

And no creature is hidden from his sight , but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13).

As we begin the New Year; may our labour be God glorifying and God honouring.

Facebook Comments