My favorite Bible verse - A thread

Colossians-3-23-24 (Low Quality).jpg

WHY DO WE GO TO WORK each day? Most of us get out of bed so early and endures the traffic while heading to the office for a number of good reasons: to provide for our families, to pursue career success, and/or simply enjoy interacting with our office buddies; while for some, the office became a second home.

But when we face the inevitable difficulties of unreasonable boss/client, a heavy workload, workplace politics, dysfunctional relationship; what’s our motivation?

In his letter to the Church of Colossae, the Apostle Paul gave instructions to the husbands, wives, and children; then shifted his attention to the other segment of their society, the slaves -- employees in a modern context (see Colossians 3:18-22).

Throughout the ancient times, slavery was a common practice. The society does not condemn slavery. Most slaves came from the spoils of war or voluntarily as payment for debts. The treatment of the slaves varied in the ancient world, but in most cases, slaves were the property of their master, with very little or no rights -- this meant that many were treated harshly -- worse, inhuman.

If there is any particular group reasonable enough to complain and be discouraged, it’s obviously the slaves. Considering ancient times slavery, they’re usually tasked to do heavy workloads, day in, day out. They are customarily tasked to do the most but are given the least or no appreciation at all! In contrast to the modern employment; slaves don’t get paid, no day-offs and vacations, no bonuses – their portion is a lifetime of toiling.

Yet, Paul didn’t just tell the slaves to work harder; is he heartless? No! In fact, Paul himself was a hard worker, he toiled day and night just to help sustain his team and ministry, in spite of receiving financial support from other churches. In fact, he had gone far beyond that; he revealed the truth and secret of success, pointing out hope to the slaves -- he encouraged them to do their tedious, menial work “heartily” with sincerity and enthusiasm as they remember that they are working first for God and not their human masters. But, Paul also assured them that God will eventually reward their faithful work. They may not see these rewards today, but like a retirement plan, someday the results will be thrilling!

You might be underappreciated by your boss, your co-workers, or even your family; in spite of the loads of efforts, sacrifices, and commitment you’re putting into. But, you can change your motivation and attitude towards work, we can get out of bed each day with the assurance that we are serving for the Lord and that our good attitude and hard work will be richly rewarded – if not by our employers now, they will be someday by the God of the universe.

Let me utter a short declaration and prayer for you.

May the Lord brings you peace and comfort in difficult times.
May he gives you knowledge, wisdom, and understanding as you deal with your work and difficult people.
May the Lord opens doors of opportunities for you that nobody can't shut!
May he connects you with the right people to help you achieve your maximum potential!
And may each of your moment be in his presence -- loved and full of faith.

Amen.

Thanks for the opportunity to share one of my favorite Bible verses and devotion.

Thanks to @reginecruz for nominating me; and to @csalupado for initiating the thread -- I would like to nominate my friend @neihy05 to participate in this thread.