Daily Encouragement: Day 330

Adapted from Handbook to Spiritual Growth

WORKING AS UNTO THE LORD

We cannot contribute to the work of God, but we can participate in it (John 4:34; 1 Corinthians 3:6–9). If we think that we can add to the work of God, our work becomes so inflated in importance that it can overwhelm relational commitments. We take ourselves too seriously when we think God needs what we have to offer. When leaders attempt to build empires by using people to serve their visions, they make the mistakes of trying to measure the impact of their work and basing their significance upon their accomplishments.

We are called to do our work as unto the Lord instead of seeking to impress and please people. When work is done with this attitude, it benefits others and honors God. At the same time, our identity transcends our work, and if we do not derive our identity from our relationship with the Lord, our work will tend to shape and define us. Our vocation, or calling, includes our occupations and careers but also transcends them.