Walking with the Wise #244: Working for the Lord (Not for Man)

“In the light of a king's face there is life,

and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.”
—Proverbs 16:15

There have been great leaders throughout history who have inspired, challenged, and lead men and women to do greater things then they could have ever done by themselves. Encountering such a person as this and doing that which pleases him gives life to our bones. It drives us to do more, to seek more, to love and sacrifice more.

We are motivated by what brings us joy. When I bring my wife flowers, I am not doing so out of duty, but in the hope that she will be happy and find delight in my act of love. In the same vein, when I please my boss (aka, the king), I am trying to elicit a joyful response and thus favor. If I find favor in the sight of my employer I will find myself delighting in what I do, and thus finding favor in his sight, much like Joseph found favor in the sight of his employers and overseers (cf. Genesis 39:4, 21).

As you work for your boss, do not focus on what is wrong or unjust about them. Instead, focus on working for the Lord, not for men, as Paul wrote,

“Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ”—Colossians 3:22-24.

It is God to whom you are ultimately accountable and He will see your service and sacrifice and will bless you accordingly. Amen.