ODJ: In All Things

September 26, 2018 

READ: Colossians 3:1-25 

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

Driving home one evening, I noticed I was low on fuel. Icy rain began striking the windshield, and I groaned at the thought of getting out of my warm car to fill up the petrol tank on such a miserable night. But I reluctantly pulled into the next petrol station I came to—and promptly did a double take! Through the pouring rain, I saw a woman dancing in the petrol station. I sat for a moment and stared in wonder. Why would anyone dance with such joyful abandon on an awful night like this? A rather sad, cold and lonely moment was instantly transformed by a woman who refused to be defined by her circumstances.

I regularly return to that image of the lone woman dancing in the petrol station. I don’t know if she was a believer in Jesus, but her exuberance certainly reflected the joy He brings. What a beautiful illustration of what it can look like if believers choose to bring hope and light and Christ’s joy to those we meet instead of succumbing to the darkness of this world. We have new life in Him and He’s given us a heavenly perspective that should affect everything, including our work (Colossians 3:1-4).

The apostle Paul reminds us that if Jesus lives within us and is the One we live for, then, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can put to death our sinful nature as we put on our new nature. We can “be renewed” into Christ’s nature as we “learn to know [our] Creator and become like him” (v.10).

Whether in word or deed, as He provides the strength and perspective we need, let’s choose to honour Jesus. As Paul wrote, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (v.23). That may even lead you to dance as you work for Him.

—Ruth O’Reilly-Smith

365-day plan: Luke 23:32-49

MORE
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31, where we are reminded to make our focus—in all things—the glory of God. 
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How can you bring the light and hope of Jesus to your work environment? How is the joy that flows from your relationship with Him revealed in your life?