Series 06 · Kingdom Perspective

Work asWorship

Spreadsheets, shifts, diapers and deadlines. Learn what Colossians 3:23–24 says about doing ordinary work for the Lord, and how it changes the way you show up.

9-slide study6 min readScripture: NIV

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Monday can feel far from the Sabbath.

Most of our waking hours are spent working, in offices, stores, homes and job sites. It is easy to feel that real spiritual life happens on the Sabbath, and that the rest of the week is just getting by.

Working for the Lord

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.Colossians 3:23–24 · NIV

Paul wrote these words to people doing hard, often unseen work. He told them to work with all their heart, because the One they were ultimately serving was Christ.

Work was part of the good

Before sin ever entered the world, God put Adam in the garden to work it and take care of it. Work was part of God’s good design, not a punishment.

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.Genesis 2:15 · NIV

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:31 · NIV

Work isn’t a result of the curse. It was part of God’s good design from the start.

Same job, new boss

Your title may not change, but your reason can. When you work for the Lord, the unseen tasks matter, and so does integrity when no one is watching.

For peopleEffort that rises and falls with who’s watching

For the LordWholehearted and honest, for His glory

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Colossians 3:17 · NIV

A prayer before work

Lord, I offer You the work in front of me today. Help me do it with all my heart, as working for You. Give me integrity when no one is watching and kindness toward the people I serve. Let my work bring You glory. Amen.

Pray it before your shift

Turn your work into worship

Offer it before you startPray over your shift, your inbox or your to-do list.
Work with your whole heartDo the unseen parts well, because God sees them.
Serve the people in front of youTreat customers, coworkers and family as people you serve for Christ.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.Psalm 90:17 · NIV

Reflect