Daily Devotional: Laboring Day
"Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans …" Colossians 3:23 NRSVUE
The Puritans believed that every part of life, no matter how mundane or secular it seemed, should be done as “Unto the Lord.” Thus, the shopkeeper, the business owner, the college professor and the farmer share the same burden: to make their work part of God’s economy and love.
This philosophy highlights many positive things, and following are two:
One, it keeps us grateful for the many good things in life, no matter how small or apparently unrelated to the Sacred they seem to be. They are all part of the Providence of God.
Two, it keeps us from compartmentalizing our lives and listing some areas as “sacred” or “secular.” When we separate our lives, it’s easier to justify, stating, “That’s just good business,” or, “Hey - it’s not my department,” or my favorite, “I’m sorry I can’t help you - those are the regulations …” instead of seeing the opportunity to serve God, even at a cost or an inconvenient time. Doing all things as “Unto the Lord” changes everything.
Prayer: Lord, help me live today as if my life is Yours. It is, and so are all those I come in contact with. So I really do need Your help here. Thank You.
The Rev. Dr. Michael Sanders has books of devotions available locally at Kens Village Market in Indian River.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Daily Devotional: Laboring Day
