ODJ: stressed

December 27, 2013 

READ: Colossians 3:22-4:6 

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (v.23).

Work for the believer is an opportunity to live out our God-given talents. At the same time, our jobs can be a significant source of stress. As we’re responding to different personalities or economic challenges in the workplace, our responsibility as believers is the same regardless of location or job description: love and reflect Jesus well.

Because Jesus is the “visible image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15), we, His followers, should be like Jesus and reveal Him to the world. When we “set [our] sights on the realities of heaven,” everything becomes an opportunity for worship—including our work (3:1). Here are some practical ways to engage workplace challenges:

• Not every opinion we have should be voiced. What we say should be “gracious and attractive” (4:6).

• When our leaders make decisions that we don’t like, we must discern between true issues of right or wrong and those things that are simply an inconvenience for us (Hebrews 13:17).

• We don’t perform for man and God cares about stewardship. To take our responsibility at work too lightly is to misunderstand our accountability to God (Psalm 90:17; Colossians 3:23).

• We should understand where our responsibility begins and ends. We’re accountable for our choices, not those of others (Romans 12:18).

Ultimately, how we work should show that we belong to and love Jesus. Because we’ve been “made . . . alive with Christ,” this reality should pervade everything we do—even our jobs (Colossians 2:13). —Regina Franklin

MORE
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:5-15 to see the value God’s Word places on a strong work ethic. 
NEXT
What are some current challenges you’re facing in your employment? What truths in God’s Word can help you face these hurdles?