Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. – Colossians 3:23
In the tapestry of life, work emerges as a vital thread woven into the fabric of existence. From the dawn of creation, God imbued work with profound significance, declaring it “good” as He fashioned the universe with purposeful intention. Yet, beyond the realm of productivity and profit lies a deeper calling, a sacred mission to illuminate the path to redemption through the transformative power of Christ’s love. Today, we delve into the convergence of these two noble endeavors: the goodness of work and the great commission to make disciples.
At its core, work mirrors the creative essence of our Heavenly Father. Through our labor, we participate in the ongoing narrative of creation, shaping and stewarding the resources entrusted to our care. In Colossians 3:23, we are reminded, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This biblical injunction transcends the boundaries of vocation, infusing every task and occupation with inherent dignity and purpose.
In the bustling marketplace, where commerce and culture intersect, the ethos of Christian stewardship takes on profound significance. As ambassadors of Christ, we are called not only to excel in our professional endeavors but also to embody His love and grace in every interaction. Whether we are negotiating contracts, serving customers, or collaborating with colleagues, our work becomes a canvas upon which the Gospel is displayed for all to witness.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, describes this divine partnership, declaring, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Here, we discern the inseparable link between the goodness of work and the eternal significance of advancing God’s kingdom on earth.
Amidst the demands of the marketplace, we are called to a higher purpose: the work of reconciliation and redemption. Just as Christ commissioned His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), so too are we entrusted with the sacred task of bearing witness to the transformative power of His Gospel. In the words of Jesus Himself, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).
In the crucible of daily life, the intersection of work and witness becomes palpable as we navigate the complexities of human relationships and strive to live out our faith with authenticity and integrity. Whether we are sharing our testimony with a colleague over coffee or extending a hand of compassion to a customer in need, every interaction becomes an opportunity to sow seeds of grace and truth.
As we strive to embody the values of the Kingdom in the marketplace, let us remember the words of the apostle Peter: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). In doing so, we honor the dual calling of work and witness, allowing our lives to become a testament to the transformative power of God’s love.
In conclusion, the convergence of the goodness of work and the divine mandate to make disciples of Jesus Christ lies at the heart of our vocation as Christian businessmen and women. As we embrace this sacred balance, may we labor with excellence and integrity, knowing that our work serves as a beacon of hope in a world longing for redemption.
Think and pray
Do you view the work in your life as both the task given and the people that God has placed in your life, or have you compartmentalized your life where work is completely disconnected from your faith?
Heavenly Father, help me to be like Jesus, living intentionally with those around me to complete the work you have given me to do in Jesus’ name, amen.
Adrian Savedra serves as Area Director for CBMC in Oklahoma. Having spent his early career as a head college baseball coach, his passion is helping others grow spiritually and apply the precepts of the bible to every area of their lives. He is active in his church and a shepherd to the many men involved with CBMC.
