“Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.” (Colossians 3:22-25 MSG)
This is for employees everywhere! Let’s look at seven things we, as Christians, are called to do when it relates to our work, according to the passage above in Colossians:
Do What You’re Told:
Do what you have been hired and asked to do. Don’t question every directive. Don’t argue. Don’t sulk. If you will do what you are told time and time again, your boss will trust you and you’ll soon be in line for promotion.
Don’t Just Do the Minimum:
Always go the extra mile and cover all the bases. Don’t turn in work that is not done. Don’t miss deadlines. Pick up the pace. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t make your boss have to follow up with you or track down your progress – give it to him or her before the deadline. When you go over and above, time and time again, your boss will take note of you and you’ll set a great example for others.
Do Your Best:
This one’s easy. Really, do your best!
Work From the Heart:
Do what you do from your heart – not your head, not your to-do list, not your deadlines and not just for a paycheck. All the issues of life come out of your heart – including the issue of your work/job/vocation – so always listen to and follow your heart as you give your best on the job.
Work For the Lord:
While in the 9-5, you are working for a human boss – but in the scheme of God’s kingdom, you are really working for the Lord. Don’t waste time. Don’t steal. Don’t cheat. The Bible says that promotion doesn’t come from the east or the west, the north or the south – promotion comes from the Lord. So you can rest assured that when God counts you faithful, He will promote and reward you in this life and the next!
Don’t Be Moody:
Nothing is more frustrating to a boss and fellow co-workers than a moody, sullen employee. Make a decision to have a happy face and a positive attitude every day. Smile. Say hi. Whistle while you work. Be happy. Every one likes to be surrounded by happy, positive people.
Don’t Do Anything Less Than Excellent:
Pretend you’re the owner or boss – how would you want things done? What little things would you notice or care about? Do those things! Do your most excellent work!
Say This: “Father, I ask You to help me up my game and be the best employee I can be. Make me a blessing to my employer, boss, company and organization. Let me be an example of everything a godly, Christ-like employee represents. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
In September of 1991, Jeff and Beth Jones founded Valley Family Church. For over 30 years, they have led and pastored VFC with vision and passion to reach people for Christ. In January of 2023, they passed the baton of leadership to their son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Alexa Jones. They now serve as Founding Pastors and provide oversight, counsel and teaching. Pastor Beth also leads The Basics With Beth, an outreach of VFC. Click below to read a letter from our Founding Pastors.