By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Focus on Your Work

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

All of us work in some capacity. School, career, home. There are many ways to engage in productivity.

“But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.” Galatians 6:4 English Standard Version

“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 ESV

The world says we should work to be productive and make money to buy items that are important to us like food, housing, transportation, as well as aim to purchase luxury items.

What is the purpose of work? The obvious ones, provide for ourselves and our families, but there is also the opportunity to connect with others, which leads to relationship, which then can lead to drawing people toward Christ through us. As Christians, we are vessels and work gives us the opportunity to be the representative for Jesus.

“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”
2 Timothy 2:21 ESV

Many people are working so they can eventually retire, not truly enjoying the fruit from the labor. I heard someone say at some point that most of us will spend more time at work than with our families. If that’s the case for you, being intentional with those that cross your path, employees and clients, can draw them to Jesus.

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31 ESV

Loving our neighbor also includes those we meet at work.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado