“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” – Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV)
Working for the Lord implies that we do whatever it is that we do with a heart for Jesus. We are to work, talk, do, or serve out of love, mercy, and grace. Out of a servant’s heart, we care for others. We put others’ needs higher than our own since, at times, the needs of others outweigh ours. We care for the least, the lost, and the last. True service must come from a willing and generous heart.
Is it easy? Definitely not. Sometimes, we must show tough love. We saw that Jesus loved all, but he wasn’t afraid to tell someone they were going down the wrong path. He called demons out of the possessed, but he also told the woman at the well to go and sin no more. He spoke strongly. He overturned the tables of the money changers in the Temple with righteous anger. Even in anger, though, He was without sin, never hurting anyone. He disciplined.
Paul tells us in Colossians 3:23-24 to do all that we do as if we are working for the Lord. He is telling us to use the gifts and talents given to us by God to work diligently without sinning, arrogance, greed, or envy. Do so without a sense of haughtiness or superiority. Work as to the Lord with a spirit of mercy and grace, just as God gives us.
Be motivated by living your lives in a way that glorifies God. Be loving, patient, and kind, and do not delight in the wrong. Instead of assigning motivations and presuming to know the heart of another, use your gifts and talents to do your work unto the Lord. Work with a sense of purpose to build up and not tear down.
We do not make progress toward any worthwhile goal without building responsible stewardship – building relationships, understanding, foundations, and taking care of people. As we make an effort and come out of our comfort space, we should never presume to know someone else’s heart. Have the conversations, the hard ones, and love as Jesus loves. You may be surprised at what you find if you work at everything as if unto the Lord. Jesus will be right there in the middle of our building and stewardship.
Let’s not tear down but have more understanding as we build together and motivate each other.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the many blessings You have bestowed upon us. Help us to be good stewards and managers of everything You have entrusted to us. Give us the wisdom to manage our time, our gifts, and our talents in ways to honour You and serve others. Guide our actions and decisions, oh Lord, so that we may be faithful stewards and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Psalm 127:1; Proverbs 13:4
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 119:41-48; 1 Timothy 1; Jeremiah 32:26-44; Jeremiah 33; Jeremiah 34
