January 17, 2016

Ephesians 6:8 NLT - "Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."

Commentary:

As we noted yesterday, the Lord wants our work to be done with enthusiasm, especially if we believe God has brought us into the employment we have.  We need to understand that God doesn't just lead ministers and missionaries into their places of service.  He also leads every believer into their jobs as well.  Is that too hard to believe?  The way Paul spoke to these believers, some of whom were slaves, he made it quite clear that they were to do their best in that job.  Too many times we think we could do better if we had a different job in a different location.  Though we may feel we're suited to a better or different job, we need to believe that we're where God wants us for the time being.  And He wants us to work at our jobs doing our best for His glory. 

He rewards believers for the work they do, not just their Christian life.  He really blesses when we work well in our offices, factories, on the road, in sales, service, or public relations.  No matter where we are God is watching.  I like to tell young people that they're not going to do better someplace else until they learn to do their best where they are.  It's like asking God for something new and "you'll surely use it for Him."  He wants to see us use what we already have for His glory before He allows us to have something else.

One day in heaven the Lord is going to take each of us and show us the results of the work we did here on earth.  I believe He wants to say "Well done..." for everything we did including our filing away papers, building houses, selling cars, keeping records, administering justice, teaching school...etc., etc.  As you think of your effort at work, will you look forward to "Well done"?  I hope we all will.