Work to me is...

We have all had that day...the I cant stand my boss, no one will notice if I cut this corner or that - or the frankly you can take this job and shove it day!  Yeah, we all have.

But, what if our work actually has a much more meaningful purpose and reward?

First, please let me admit to you that I've had those days.
However those days are now almost a thing of the past.

_____________________________________________

The opening statement can especially resonate if you feel overworked, under appreciated and under paid.  

A dear friend of mine works like no one else I know (my wife is a very close second!).  When she is not working her three jobs she is volunteering and on top of that she also is raising six beautiful children. She does so with an infectious laugh, smile and does it all extraordinarily well. She is that person that we all think - how the heck does she does it?  Perhaps, the more important question is why does she do it and especially to the best of her abilities?  She does it because she knows her boss and she knows she has the best boss in the world!

If you read the bible, even starting in Genesis you see that we are called to work. Adam was charged with the task of caring for the garden of Eden.  Did you miss that part?  A lot of us do.  From building walls, temples, vineyards and the apostle Paul making tents - we are all called to work and do our very best.  It is hard to read scripture and not see where God calls us to work and He wants our very best!

Work is a form of worship to God.  Like the clip below taken from the awesome movie Facing the Giants*, oh how he wants our very best!

  

Each one of us are unique - he made us that way for a reason.
How do you use your special gifts?

So perhaps you don't play football lets say that you're a nurse, a car salesperson or work in construction, how do you sell cars for God?!

Scripture says that with all that you do you do so if working for The Lord himself. Boil it down Jeff...What does that look like?  It means that in whatever you do, do it with integrity, honesty, love and with all that you have.  Perhaps you are the first person at work or the last one to leave.  When there are no customers at the dealership perhaps you are out sweeping the lot.  You know what will happen? You will be noticed.  Even if you think that you your hard work isn't being appreciated - you know that you have done your very best.  Most importantly - God knows it and loves you for it.  

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
Colossians 3:23, NIV

Alex Kindrick in his first movie Flywheel portrayed a man that at first operated a used car dealership according to his greedy needs, getting the most he could even while he new that he was being dishonest - very dishonest.  How do you sell cars for God?  Well perhaps it is selling cars in a way that He would have you to do.  Here is a short clip from this great movie*:

So many before and among us today are great examples of success, honor and sacrifice of what it means to work well with what The Lord has gifted us with.  

Using your talents, abilities and time to provide for your family, employees and even for complete strangers is God-honoring stewardship.  For it, you will be blessed.

There is a movement these days, perhaps under your radar that is teaching, equipping and encouraging people, like you, on how to make your work - worship.

My friends at the Work as Worship Network, The Theology of Work Project and Nehemiah Project are changing the landscape of the working world.  

The work initiative that God placed on my heart in addition to changing my own business was to create, the New Hampshire Christian Business Network. It has been one of the most fulfilling callings that I have ever had and answered.  Men and women are discussing issues like integrity, vision, kindness and endurance in the workplace. You are most welcome to be a part of it.

______________________________

When we realize that our boss, that guy in the corner office isn't really our boss, but it is the one who made us all - You Will Change and so will your work. Even if you haven't heard words of praise from him in some time, you will one day from Him and it will be far more rewarding.

______________________________

I leave you today with a couple of short movies that I hope will change the way you work.  Let them remind you that the world is watching you.
Let it remind you to truly shine!

Work to me is...Worship

*These great movies above can be found at http://www.christianbook.com.
.