DEVOTION Day 3 - God ordains spirituality in everyday work

Read Colossians 3

One day a woman from our previous church made an alarming statement. She apologized that her husband was not a pastor. I asked her why in the world would she apologize for something like that. She explained that she felt awkward that there were several men in our church who were pastors, but her husband was not one of them. It was almost as if she felt her spouse was not “holy enough” because he did not wear the title of reverend.

I believe there is a misconception that there is “God’s work” and then “the world’s work.” This is one of the main reasons for the disconnect between faith and vocation. But if Christ is Lord over all our life, then he is Lord over all our work as well. Whatever we do for our vocation, we should do it “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (3:17), that is, in a manner that honors him.
Take a closer look at Colossians 3. Notice that it does not distinguish between the “religious” and “secular,” but between the life that Christ offers, (the “things above”) and its alternative—spiritual death apart from Him (the “things on the earth”). This is clear from the preceding context (2:20) and the rest of chapter 3: “earthly” things include lust and greed (3:5, 8); and the “things above” include kindness and humility (3:12–15). In other words, discipleship has to do with our conduct and character, no matter where our work may take us. Pastors are not immune to the things of this world simply because they work in a church. And those that work in secular environments have a tremendous opportunity to display “the things above” to those around them. In other words, it is much more a question of “how” then “what.”

God values our work whether it appears to be mundane or magnificent. Remember that God himself created a world that is time-bound and temporary, and he took pleasure in his work and delighted in his creation. He was pleased with the world, and as we read on Saturday and Sunday, declared it “very good.”

What mindset do we bring to our vocation? Do we see opportunities to partner with God in everyday life? No matter where our vocations take us, or what our specific jobs may be, we can glorify God in whatever we do. Taking a cue from Colossians 3, we can set our hearts and minds on things above, even when we are working in the world below.