When we like the work we’re doing, it’s easy to be enthusiastic about it and have a good work ethic. But when we’re stuck doing something we don’t enjoy, it’s just as easy to do it half-heartedly and carelessly. But God calls us to have a good work ethic whatever we’re doing, and however we feel about the task itself. Paul wrote: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters’ (Colossians 3:23 NIV). We can read something similar in Ephesians: ‘Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people’ (6:7 NLT). And in the Old Testament, we find this: ‘Whatever work you do, do your best’ (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NCV). All of this tells us that working hard and being diligent is another way of worshipping God. When we look at our work from this perspective – as a way to glorify God – it makes it easier for us to approach the tasks set out for us with a joyful heart and to try to do them well, even if we’re not thrilled by them. God designed work, and designed us to work. After God created the world, He took Adam and ‘put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it’ (Genesis 2:15 NIV). But even though God wants us to work hard, it doesn’t mean we should take it too far and become workaholics. God set the example for us when He rested on the seventh day (take a look at Genesis 2:2-3). He didn’t need to rest, but He wanted to set the pattern for us. So let’s glorify Him by working as He wants us to.

What Now?

Is there a household task that you dislike and try to avoid? Today, do that task, but before you do it, take a couple of minutes to devote your heart and your work to God.