God is the Vindicator and Rewarder for My Work

Slaves (employees), in all things obey those who are your masters (employers) on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:22-24

Background

The apostle Paul teaches that all work is God’s work and all workers are directly accountable to Him. God will judge the quality of each man’s work according to his sincerity of heart and will reward them with His inheritance. Although visible results are important, but God is really looking at the heart of the worker and rewards him accordingly. In today’s reflection, Paul teaches the right attitude towards work.

Observation

• Slaves (employees), in all things obey those who are your masters (employers) on earth: God rules the earth through earthly masters. Hence, earthly masters (or employers) are part of God’s authority structure through which He rules the earth. Through the structure of human authority He maintains order and proper functioning of the society. In obeying our employers, we obey God and conform to His system of work.
• … not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord: We must not differentiate between “secular” work and “spiritual” work as all work are spiritual in that they are mandated by God. Hence, we do not work for the sake of appeasing men so that they may reward us, but as pleasing God. Our fear of God is translated into being respectful towards our managers and employers. Therefore, our motivation of work is love for God (sincerity of heart) and for fellowmen.
• knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance: Our true reward comes from God who judges the quality of our work. Men may reward us according to their limited knowledge and assess us imperfectly. But God who is righteous and knows all things will reward us justly.

Companies are competing for top grade employees with the right skill set and most importantly, the right attitude, which is sincerity of heart. A person with the right skill may be competent as an individual contributor. But a person with sincerity of heart is effective in influencing the company’s values system and direction towards enduring success.

One company as part of their candidate screening process leaves waste papers on the floor of the interview waiting room with a waste paper bin next to the door. Some candidates took no notice of the rubbish strewn across the floor when they entered the room. Some just stared at the waste papers without any action. Some initially reached out for the waste papers but decided to let them be. There are those who picked up the rubbish and threw them into the bin without a second thought. Those who picked up the waste paper and disposed them in the basket tend to see the needs of the company in a larger context; they will more likely look past their personal agenda and work with sincerity of heart to fulfill the goals of the company. They will also exhibit resilience and make better team players. They may not stand out from the crowd at first glance, but will deliver results in the longer term. Skilful and savvy people may deliver results in the short term, but if their motives are for personal gain, they may cause hurt to the organization in the longer term. The financial crisis in year 2008 was partly due to unscrupulous bankers and sales people hungry for profit. Company executives hid losses from shareholders. Government officials misled the public concerning their national debt.

If any employee work for the interest of the company, God will reward him with the His inheritance. What is the difference between wages and inheritance? Wages can be used up and they will run dry. But inheritance is priceless and it cannot run out. Some of God’s inheritance include perpetual peace and favor, wisdom and insights, health, authority and influence, and the glory of God. Therefore, whatever we have done for the company in sincerity of heart will be recorded and God will reward us with His inheritance.

The world needs workers who work for a higher purpose. However tough our job may be, God has planted you there with a divine purpose; that is to be a blessing to the people there. Remember, you are the best person for the job; you are anointed for this job and there is no one in the world more suitable to do this job than you are. At the end of the day, as God is the ultimate judge of your work, rejoice for a job well done as one who works for God and not for men.

Applications

1. Whatever decisions you make, put the interest of the company above your own. And God will reward you with His wisdom, favor and blessings.
2. Whatever you are given, work at it with all your heart even though you may not be treated fairly. When God sees the attitude of your heart, He will personally promote you to a position of influence.
3. Seek inheritance above wages as inheritance relates to things that wages cannot buy. Wages cannot purchase inheritance, but inheritance will in time translate into wages.
4. Do not pander towards your bosses in order to ingratiate them into favoring you. If God is pleased with you, He will promote you regardless of the circumstances. The favor of men is flitting, but the favor of God endures forever.

Dear Lord, bless me with your inheritance and above all I seek your presence. Grant me a passion to display excellence in the role given to me. Help me to be a contributor and a blessing to my company. Use me to lift up those who are weak. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.