Lent Day 4: March 12

This morning our guest blogger is John Harris, who shares his reflections with us, on how our work should be done with God in mind.

Lenten Reflection for Day 4

Date: Saturday March 12, 2011

Author: John Harris

Bible Passage:

Colossians 3:23–24 (NRSV)

²³ Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, ²⁴ since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.

Reflection:

In Genesis, God labors for six days and spends the next day resting and reflecting on His creative handiwork. This should be our own model, not just for honoring the Sabbath, but as we approach our prayer and work lives. It is said that Martin Luther reflected and rejoiced on his baptism each morning before he began his daily chores of preaching and teaching. It was his being born anew to God’s purpose each morning that enabled him to do his work among his friends and neighbors even though he was weighed down by religious discord throughout much of his life.

As Christians, our work lives are as important as our prayer lives. Even though we should strive to keep them separate, we know ultimately that our work glorifies both God and our neighbor. Thus, whatever our occupation—butcher, baker, or candlestick maker—we need to do them as enthusiastically as we can. Like Luther, begin your day with prayer, scripture reading, and meditation. Reflect on God’s grace given to you in your Baptism and strive to do your best knowing that you work for more than just a paycheck and that God is our ultimate employer.

Just as we are stewards of God’s creation, we are stewards of our work in that creation. All work is honorable in that it helps and benefits our neighbors. Think about how you go about your work each day. Is it Christ-centered and does it reflect our Christian values of love of God and neighbor? Remember, as Paul does in today’s Bible passage, we work for Christ and the inheritance of eternal life he has given to us.

Prayer:

Lord, we rejoice in the opportunities You give us in both our prayer and work lives to glorify You. Help us to see the value in our work. Keep us Christ-focused and neighbor- focused as we think about our Baptism and the grace that you granted us through your sacrifice on the cross. Amen