This global pandemic has shaken up millions of jobs. Almost everyone has been affected at work by the pandemic whether it be a change in policies or procedures or a complete loss of employment. I, along with millions of others, can look back on my job and see how much it has changed in the past year. I am very fortunate to be back in my pre-pandemic job position but many people cannot say the same. One year ago, the pandemic more than tripled the national unemployment rate. While we have made strides towards recovery, millions of people remain jobless. Those lucky enough to have jobs still have many questions and concerns about their career going forward. Some people are thriving with new career opportunities, while others are lost and searching for their path. Regardless of where this pandemic has left you at work, this is a great time to focus on being a worker for God.
What do you think of when you hear the phrase, “worker for God?” Pastors? Missionaries? Sunday school teachers? These are all people who work for God. What do you think God thinks of when He hears the phrase “worker for God?” He thinks far beyond pastors, missionaries, and Sunday school teachers. God thinks of health care workers, teachers, truck drivers, politicians, musicians, therapists, social workers, athletes, stay at home parents, coaches, lawyers, plumbers, electricians, engineers, soldiers, police officers, firefighters, construction workers, barbers, salesmen, entrepreneurs, writers, artists, accountants, actors, secretaries, retail workers, waiters, mailmen, landscape workers, mechanics, chefs… I could go on and on but you get the point.
God calls certain men and women into ministry but He calls all believers to work for Him. Just because you have a “secular” or “normal” job does not mean that God has not called you to do His work. God calls all of His believers to serve Him. It is easy to lose sight of who we are truly working for when we have a job that is viewed as serving man. No matter your occupation, you are called to serve God.
Colossians 3:23 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if serving the Lord, and not man.” Regardless of occupation, this verse instructs each of us to work wholeheartedly with the mindset of ultimately serving the Lord and not our bosses, customers, patients, or coworkers. You may not be a pastor, missionary, or Sunday school teacher but God has placed you in a mission field and He wants you to serve Him there.
Wherever this pandemic has left you at work, you can rest assured knowing this: you are a worker for Christ. You have a calling from God to serve Him there, no matter what your job title may be. Go to work to serve God and not man. Put to death what is earthly in you and put on your new self. Put on a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Set your mind on things above. Forgive others as Christ has forgiven you. Let the word of God dwell within you and do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Above all, put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Whatever you do, do it with all your heart for you are serving the Lord!
