Internet Cafe Chat

Colossians 3:23-24 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

This verse is the inspiration for today’s question:

How would your life look differently if you embraced and believed fully what the verse in Colossians states? If the truth above is something you already believe and actively live out, how does this truth make a difference in your life?

If you have been following along with me this week, you know that I have had a very discouraging few weeks at my job. Events have occurred which have led to us being understaffed, overburdened and just a general sense of being overwhelmed. My job is generally stressful anyway--but the added stress has led this place to the boiling point.

Tempers are flaring, words are spoken to others that probably wouldn't have been spoken at other times--words that are hurtful. sometimes demeaning. Gossiping about others is at an all time high. Unfortunately, a new employee has been brought into this just when things are at their worst. And, I wonder to myself what she must think of all of this

So, as I read and contemplated on this verse, my own job situation came first into my mind. I have been praying about this--whether this is where I am to stay or if I am go into another work situation.

I do actively live out this verse--whatever I am doing--my job, my home, my volunteer activities, my time spent with my children, my crafting. I do feel that I am working for the Lord wherever I am, whatever I am doing. I try to do everything that I do with a servant's heart because truly the Lord has placed me in these situations to serve Him.

Pondering on this verse has helped me view my job situation from a different perspective. I have been almost dreading going into this place every day. However, if I look at this at serving the Lord, I realize that my being there and bringing His presence into this mess helps to maintain a sense of calmness, a sense of peace--not my calmness and peace--but His calmness and peace.

Although the stress level is extremely high and the burdens are almost overwhelming, I know that when I enter into that place with Christ's light shining through me that things can and will be changed.

So, I will continue to pray for God to lead me through my day, to know the words I am to say to others who come to me with their burdens, and to do my job to my utmost because I am working for Christ.

I'm going to print this verse and take it to work with me. Unfortunately, I cannot put this in a prominent place (against the rules!). But, I will keep this in my pocket, and whenever things get stressful or overwhelming, I can remember--"I'm working for God!"