Who’s the Boss?

by Bryon Smith, Riverdale Deacon and Men’s Leader

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Reflect on the Word

Have you ever had a terrible boss? I’m sure not everyone reading this is a fan of the TV show “The Office” and this is not an endorsement to watch it, but it centers around a paper company with a manager named Michael Scott that is terrible at being a boss. He says the most inappropriate things, is usually only thinking about himself, and just makes terrible decisions. Now, we may work for a Michael Scott, or we may work for the most amazing leader and mentor. Either way, I challenge you to take a new perspective. When we think about our employers, jobs, bosses, business we own, or customers we serve, consider Colossians 3:17.  In these workplaces we’re doing more than just earning a check, or providing for our family. Both of which are good things that God has created us to do. However, we are not just doing those things, we are actually serving the Lord. So how good of an employee are you to your heavenly boss?

Counsel: How can I be helped by the Word?

Your Boss is Jesus: As we change our mindset from working for an earthly boss to our heavenly boss, this will change our attitudes in the workplace.  It is no longer about pleasing humans but pleasing God. Pleasing people is an unattainable goal. But when we surrender our work to God, He is pleased as we are faithful to Him.

“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 3:23-24

Discipleship: How can I grow from the Word?

Our reward is from the Lord:  Sometimes in our jobs we get caught up in just our earthly reward. You know the pay, benefits, retirement, vacation days, etc. But as we serve Christ in our workplaces we aren’t earning earthly things that will pass away but eternal rewards that will last forever.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-21

Encouragement:  How can the Word Motivate me?

God created us to work. It has been so from the beginning in creation. However, our jobs don’t have to be a burden, or a means to an end. When we see them as they truly are, which is a gift from the Lord given to us as a means to serve Him, it will change everything.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of work. You have given it to us as a way to provide for our families, to support the church, and to live out being made in your image. I pray that as we serve in our workplaces we will see it as a way to serve you for your Glory and Honor. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Motivated Men is part of the LP Men’s Discipleship Ministry that aims to guide and support men in their roles as disciples, servants, brothers, husbands, and fathers, all for the glory of Jesus. We provide counsel, discipleship, and encouragement to help men live out their lives in faith of Jesus with courage and integrity.