Work for the Lord, Not Men - Crosswalk Couples Devotional - August 27
Work for the Lord, Not Men
By: Michelle Lazurek
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. - Colossians 3:23-24
In 2007, we began a church plant. During that time, I needed to go to work to make ends meet. My children were small at the time, and we juggled having to watch our children in addition to my working a full-time job. I got a job as a worker at a daycare in just a few minutes at my home. While the convenience of the job was nice, the job aspects were anything but. There was constant strife and turmoil among the workers. Additionally, there was a boss who didn't want to handle conflict. She often ran out the door whenever there was a conflict between the parents and workers.
This created an environment that became increasingly toxic. As I worked through my relationship with the Lord, I did my best to grow spiritually. However, my job was a hindrance to my spiritual growth. No matter what I did, I couldn't exhibit the Christlike characteristics I needed. I often found myself gossiping to my coworkers about the toxic nature of the work environment. This, along with a worker who frequently yelled at the kids, caused us stress. No matter what we did to rectify the situation, nothing helped.
I would often come home from work exhausted. I was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted from the day. Several of my kids in the classroom had severe behavior issues. This caused this situation to be nothing but toxic. I often had to skip teaching them throughout the day because the constant fighting, drama, and inability to sit still all contributed to that strife.
I knew the end was near when I planned for my preschool class’s graduation. I did my best to put on the best graduation possible. I sang a song, my husband put together a slideshow presentation of the kids throughout the year, and we made unique crafts to give to the parents.
All the parents were so pleased and commented how lovely the graduation was for them. I reveled in the good job that I had done and took solace in that I at least did a good job for the parents and kids graduating from my class.
However, everything changed when my boss called me into the office the following day. She informed me that we were merging classrooms because we could not have two preschool classrooms. Therefore, I had to remove my things from my classroom and move in with another teacher. After all I had done to make the graduation a success, none of that was appreciated. I was being rewarded by having to give up my classroom for someone else.
All the resources I bought with my own money went to another teacher. Additionally, I had to move in with someone who often dominated the classroom setting. It was clear I would never get any time to teach or be one-on-one with the students.
Although we were desperate for money and trying to keep a roof over our heads, I cried to my husband. I told him I didn't think I could take it anymore. He told me to quit. I wrote my resignation letter and handed it to my boss on Monday morning. She was shocked that I was leaving, but I knew it was for the best.
During this time, I was at a loss for where God was. Why was God putting me in this situation? During my last months there, God showed me that as I worked for man, I also worked for God. I had opportunities to exemplify Christlike character if only I had chosen to do so, but I missed them.
When two teachers fought, I could be the peacemaker.
When tempted to gossip, I could control my tongue and exhibit self-control.
I could refrain from engaging in and listening to gossip from other workers.
I could change my attitude and know I gave freely to my graduating class because I love the students and the parents. They owed me nothing.
Things changed once I realized that my work was an act of worship. Although it was time to go, I learned many valuable lessons there. I didn't have to work at a church or a Christian setting to be a Christian. God used me powerfully in that setting to help those seeking Christ around them. Although I failed and made many mistakes, God still used it as an example of who he could be in that setting. But most of all, I could worship the Lord every day from 9:00 to 5:00.
May you also see your work as an act of worship. You don't have to enter a church setting to be a Christian and exemplify the Christlike characteristics you know the Holy Spirit can exemplify. Christ will be glorified wherever you work.
Father, you helped me to be an active example of you in the workplace. Help me love others unconditionally, forgive freely, and exemplify the fruits of the Spirit. When I do all these things, you are praised. Amen.
Photo Credit: Convertkit/Unsplash
Related Resource: God’s Healing Work in Life’s Hardest Seasons
What if your hardest season is actually where God is doing His deepest work? I sit down with Victoria Arlen to talk about her book The View Is Worth It and her journey through suffering, mental health struggles, and finding hope on the other side. If you’re walking through a valley or wondering if things will ever get better, this conversation will remind you that healing is possible, hope is real, and your story isn’t over! Like what you hear? follow Bought + Beloved with Kirby Kelly on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
