Uncommen: Kingdom BusinessSample

Kingdom Worker

Colossians 3:24-25 ~ "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Today we are focusing on being a Kingdom Worker, a skill many of us may not get right. An employer once told me she hired on character, not talent. She could teach someone to be a good worker, but she couldn't teach that person to have good character.

The big question is, who are you and I working for in life? If you say your employer, that is correct, but we are called to work as unto the Lord. My employer benefits from my efforts, but I try to reflect Christ in my day-to-day work. You and I may be the only Jesus one of our coworkers ever sees.

Am I always successful in representing Jesus as a Kingdom Worker? NO!!!

My human nature seemed to overtake me due to stress, people, or the everyday pressures of life. It wasn't until I changed jobs (because of Hurricane Katrina) that I hit a different gear and changed my perspective. My attitude toward my work then worked hand in hand with my faith. It's odd since this was during a difficult transition because of Hurricane Katrina when you'd think I would be in a dark place due to my circumstances.

Just ask Paul; Kingdom work is rarely glamorous and takes place in very trying situations. Several of Paul's letters came from deep inside a prison cell. James 1:2-4 says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Will there still be stress? Yes.

Difficult people? Yes.

Pressure? Yes.

Of course, the means to an end will always be money, benefits, happiness, growth, etc. But when you and I change who we work for, it will change our outlook on life, and we can add "Kingdom Worker" to the front of our resume.

Uncommen Questions:

1. Do you find yourself working at your job unto the Lord?

2. If so, how has your outlook changed at work?

3. If not, what can you do to change your perspective?

Uncommen Challenge:

I challenge us all to remember that our calling extends into our profession and, by doing so, can open up a new mission field to glorify God.