Let Love Motivate Your Work

[FL1908]

The Apostle Paul says, "Do all your work in love." He doesn't say some of your work, but all of your work. He also says no matter "what I do, I'm bankrupt without love." (1 Corinthians 13:3, MSG)

The point is: any job can be turned into worship when it is built on the model of Christ's love; that love is expressed to co-workers, clients and customers.  Mother Teresa said, "It's not what you do so much that matters, but how much love you put into it."

So, I want you to pray a prayer every day this week.  When you get up to go work, whether it's at home or at school, in your backyard or at an office or wherever you work -- I want you to pray, "Father, today I want to worship you through my work. I want to express my gifts. I want to do it as if I'm doing it for You and I want to do it in love."

 "So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer." (Romans 12:1, TEV)

 The Apostle Paul teaches that we are to work as though we are "working for the Lord and not for people." He's saying that no job is too small: no job is too menial: no job is too insignificant when you have the right motive and perspective.

 How do you know if you're doing your work for the Lord?  Two characteristics will show up in your attitude -

Excellence -- If you're doing your work for the Lord, and not just for the boss, then you'll do it with excellence.  That means you will do the best you can because you're not doing it for anyone's approval except God's.

Enthusiasm - And, you do your work with enthusiasm.  You work for God; therefore, you do it with a cheerful attitude. "Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically." (Romans 12:11, NLT)

When you work with all your heart, motivated by the love of Christ, your work will be transformed into an act of worship for God.