Topic: When You’re Working, God Is Watching [RICK WARREN Devotional 10 January 2020]
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BY RICK WARREN — JANUARY 10, 2020
“Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do” (Ephesians 6:6 The Message).If you’re a believer, no matter who your boss is at work, ultimately, you’re working for God. Whether or not anyone else sees what you do, God sees—and he doesn’t want you to waste the time and resources of your employer.
Maybe you hate your job. Maybe you think you’re underpaid. It really doesn’t matter. The Bible says to do more than just the minimum required. God calls you to give your best. That’s what integrity looks like.
You may know someone who only works hard when the boss is watching. Or you may see someone who takes company supplies home from the office, which is a form of stealing. Or you may work with someone who takes extra long breaks every day—or consistently comes in late and leaves early.
Would you believe God compares this kind of work ethic to vandalism? Proverbs 18:9 says, “Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism” (The Message). The Living Bible translates the verse this way: “A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things”.
God considers it a serious sin when we don’t give a full day’s work for a full day’s pay. Even if no one else at work gives their all, followers of Jesus should.
When you work as if you’re working for God, he will bless your integrity. Yes, your employer most likely will notice your commitment to the success of the company or organization, and that may lead to financial blessings. But more importantly, you will grow spiritually as you work in obedience to God.
- Why would God consider it stealing when we don’t give our best effort at work?
- Once you realize that your real boss is God, how does that change the way you approach your vocation?
- What do you think God would say about how you spend your time at work? What kind of adjustments do you need to make, if any?