It is not where you get your paycheck from that determines whether your work is a gift from God. As A. W. Tozer said, “It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular; it is why he does it.” Holy Scripture tells us in the Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Colossians: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
In today’s day and age there seems to be a certain mindset that is very prevalent in our American society. This mindset that I am talking about is best seen within the workforce of our country. Many individuals feel that they deserve the opportunity to start out at the top of a company from the onset. If they cannot have a great job, with great benefits, and the extra perks, then they are somehow being slighted and forced to consider a demeaning job which carries with it less then they are desiring. I can tell you from experience that I dealt with this type of attitude from people who entered employment at the company I worked for. New employees said they would die to have my job, with my pay, and my benefits. What they failed to realize is the fact I had worked my way up from the very bottom and had been a faithful worker in the company for 31 years.
Now don’t get me wrong here. Scripture also says in 1 Timothy 5:18b, “A laborer is worth their wages”. Yes, I do realize this particular portion of God’s Word is addressing the Office of Holy Ministry (Pastoral Ministry), but I believe there is application in these words for all vocations we may be in as people of God. God desires us to use the gifts and talents we have been given and to use them wisely and most importantly to His glory. And if things are done in a right and proper order, and they most definitely should be, we are to be compensated fairly for the work we provide to our employers. A fair day’s wages for a fair day’s work, right?
Yet, as Christians, we are to give our best in whatever we are doing and wherever God has placed us. It is He who has blessed us with our intelligence, talents, and abilities to do the work we are involved in. Serving Him faithfully and being the person, He has called us to be is where our attitude is to begin. If we are following His lead, and pleasing Him is the focus of our life, I truly believe our labor will be fruitful and not self-centered or in vain. To God be the glory in all we do whether at work or play! Pastor McCarty