Colossians 3:23-24 “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

WORKING HARD OR HARDLY WORKING

My dad worked hard all his life. He began working at a textile mill at age 16 and retired there at age 61. He worked part time also painting houses and later selling insurance. My dad taught me a strong work ethic. I have always liked to work, sometimes too much.

But these verses aren’t talking about that. These verses are talking about our motivation for work. Who are we trying to please? Who are you trying to impress? It says clearly that we are to work for the Lord. Whether you are a doctor, lawyer, homemaker, carpenter or a landscaper, do it all to please Him. When you work to please Him, your earthly employer will be pleased.

TEACHING MOMENT

Teaching our children to work this way is ONLY done by example. They don’t need to hear us complain about our work place or our bosses. They need to hear us thanking the Lord for our work. They need to see us go above and beyond to accomplish our work. They need to see us balance work and family. They need to hear us praise our coworkers. Get the picture. You are framing their work ethic by how you view work, whether than how you work.

What are you teaching your kids today about work? Will they see how to treat their employers or employees from your example? Do you need to apologize for speaking wrongly about your boss in front of them? Do you need to make things right with an employee? Remember, we will receive the reward from the Lord, not men.