A certain person who I work with, who has a lot more stripes than I, asked me as he always does "how are you?" I responded with my famous, "Couldn't be better" statement and waited for him to say something, because he is always intrigued. He turned around and said, "So what if I said 'Airman Watkins, you've been working so hard, why don't you take the day off?'" I said, "No sir, that will only change my circumstance, not make me better."
I have also been asked if I ever have bad days. When I was asked I responded with no. I will stop the conversation there because even though the rest is good, it isn't exactly relevant in the point I want to get across.
How is it that getting the day off, or being told I have to work extra hard or extra time, or everything going right, or everything falling to pieces, seemly has no power in my life? First, let me clarify one thing: People usually don't ask how my day is going, they ask how I am doing. That is one thing. Now, if you ask how my day is after reading this, you'll still get an optimistic response, but I may include details about busyness or boredom. Just FYI. I'll get to the point now.
How is it that all this is true in my life? Well, I'm glad you asked. The simple answer is Jesus Christ has lived my life, died my death, paid my debt, built my home and is perfecting me until the time is right to come home. And for me, that's plenty of substance, but for those who need how's and why's, I'll gladly give them.
Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Ephesians 6:5-8
1) Obey you earthly masters as Christ by living a Christ-centered life. "obey with a sincere heart as you would Christ... as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God..." If your chief concern at work is pleasing your Savior you will have no problem being happy. When given a task imagine God giving it to you and Him watching or checking your work. With Him in mind you desire to do well- your best! Some might say that seems unrealistic. Really? Consider Matthew 10:30 "But even the hairs of your head are all numbered." What could be more trivial than how many hairs you have? Yet, to God, it's important. Or even better is Psalm 139:17-18
"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you."
2) Work well even if your employer isn't a follower of Christ or considerate of you. "whether he is bondservant or is free." Why would Paul speak as if slaves had choice of whether or not to serve their master? Because he was speaking of the condition of their heart. So am I. Why? Why should I honor a boss who cares nothing about me or God? “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16. Christ uses YOUR light to bring glory to the Father! I dare not think anyone would agree that apathetic attitudes bring God much glory. I can only imagine what unbelievers think when they see a person who claims Christ lost in daily apathy.
3) Work knowing that even if you are never recognized on earth, never rewarded or remembered, that Christ is and that your reward will be great in heaven. “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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21.
This is the foundation I have to the solid joy of my life. It is unwavering. I know and rest in the sovereignty of God.
I pray you will too.
I love you.
That all may know.
