Inside Out: A 40 Day Journey to Transforming Your HeartSample

Sincere Heart

When we go to work each day, we may see it as a means of just making money. Maybe your job brings great joy and fulfillment, but that is not always the case. You may work for an employer who doesn't necessarily care about you. They may care only about getting the job done and done well. Yesterday, we talked about having a serving heart. Serving is not just in our voluntary activities like kids' sports or serving at church. Having a serving heart is just as important in our jobs. It's not about getting a task done to fulfill our responsibilities; it's about doing them with a sincere heart. We are to sincerely care that our work gets done and done rightly. Our hearts become healthier when we serve with a sincere heart, even when our work is expected of us and not necessarily appreciated.

The Bible compares us to being bondservants. A bondservant works without wages, literally, a slave. Being under the authority of another may not only feel oppressive, but it may also feel devaluing. Jesus saw being a bondservant differently. He taught that those who would be most significant in God's kingdom took on the role of a servant while here on earth. It's wise to choose the position of a servant in life. In Mark 9:35, He said, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." It is counter-cultural to say we want to be a servant more than a leader. We are to submit ourselves under earthly authority and care about others' needs first. Our fleshly hearts will fight against this concept because it is ingrained in us to be independent, question authority, and care about our rights and freedoms.

God wants us to treat our employers with respect. He wants us to do our jobs sincerely, not to try to gain the approval of our leaders, but to bring glory to God. We are to have goodwill toward those we are employed by, even if they don't deserve it. We can only do this when we change our perspective that we are not serving people but God. Ephesians 6:5-8 says, "Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free." There will be a reward from God for how we sincerely do our jobs, no matter the approval, affirmation, or attention we receive from our leaders.

Our hearts can become critical or judgmental of those who lead us. We think we know how to do it better. We believe we have a better strategy. That is not the role God gives us. God puts them in charge and will hold them accountable for how well they do their job at leading us and leading the company. Our role is to do what is expected of us with a sincere heart.

There may come a time when we need to have a conversation with our employers. How we lead out in that conversation matters. When we approach them with sincere concern and gentleness, being for them in the conversation instead of against them, we just might be able to draw them away from the destructiveness of their own hearts. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 says, "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will." When our employers see we sincerely care, we can significantly impact them toward being open to the gospel. Remember, they are sinners in need of a Savior, too.

Our attitude in serving is crucial. If we serve begrudgingly, inconsistently, or look stressed and overwhelmed when we serve, our actions will just look like any other person in the workforce, and we will have no impact on those we work for or with. Psalm 100:2 says, "Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" Romans 12:11 adds, "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." 1 Samuel 12:24 says, "Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you." We are first and foremost servants of Christ. The best way to serve Christ is to serve our earthly leaders with sincere, submissive, respectful hearts. When we have our minds set on Him and work sincerely for the Lord, we will be a blessing to others and have an opportunity to make an impact in their lives.

One of the benefits of intentionally working toward transforming our hearts is that we can come alongside others on their transformation journey. One of the most significant ways we can do that is to sincerely serve others with love and respect.

Take a Moment:

• When is it difficult to serve sincerely at your work?

• How can having the perspective that you are serving the Lord and not just your employer help you to have a better attitude as you work?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please give me eyes to see my employers as people in need of Your mercy and grace. Help me to sincerely serve them so that I can have an opportunity to share the gospel with them. Remind me daily that I am working for You and Your glory, not their approval or recognition. Holy Spirit empower me to love and be a blessing with those I work with. Amen.