12.30/2024
By Pastor Vinnie Cappetta
"Work it Out"
Colossians 3:22-25 - “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
"Work is not a curse, it is the prerogative of intelligence, the only means to manhood and the measure of civilization." Those are some deep insights from Calvin Coolidge. But let’s add one more layer to that definition: work is an act of worship.
Think about it. If God was the first worker, and if God created us to work, and if God has called us to the work we do, then it only makes sense that our work can be a form of worship.
Unfortunately, we often shrink the idea of worship to something that happens inside us or something that happens for an hour or two on Sunday. But worship is so much more than that. Worship is meant to be woven into every part of our lives—including the work we do from Monday to Friday.
Ever heard the saying, “The Devil finds work for idle hands”? That old proverb from 1721 hits the nail on the head. If we’re not focused on the work God has called us to do, the enemy is all too eager to give us something to do instead. And often, it’s something that draws us away from God rather than toward Him. The truth is, we all worship something. The question is what or who we are worshiping through our work.
Paul gives the Colossians a clear instruction: “Do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men.” Imagine showing up to work tomorrow knowing that you’re ultimately working for Jesus—not for the manager, not for the company, not even for that paycheck. Would it change how you approach your day? Would it shift your attitude, your energy, or your excitement? Would it impact the way you treat your coworkers or customers? Would it change the honesty and integrity you bring to your work?
To put work in its proper perspective, we have to remember that we don’t ultimately work for Mr. Jones or whoever the boss may be. We work for Jesus Christ. I’m not a counselor who happens to be a Christian; I’m a Christian who happens to be a counselor. You’re not an accountant, teacher, or software engineer who happens to be a Christian—you’re a Christian first, and that identity transforms how you do your job. Our ultimate allegiance isn’t to a company, a title, or a paycheck. It’s to our Savior.
That doesn’t mean we ignore our bosses or slack off. In fact, it’s just the opposite. The way we treat our work, our coworkers, and our bosses is a reflection of our Christian values. When we work hard, work honestly, and treat others well, we’re showing the world what it means to follow Christ.
Worship isn’t meant to be bottled up inside of us. It’s meant to pour out of us, to be visible to others. Our work is one of the most practical ways we can let our worship show. People can see the way we work and be drawn to Christ because of it.
So, as you head into work, remember who you’re really working for. Let your work be an offering to God. Put your heart into it, not because your boss is watching, but because Jesus is. Work it out—and let it be worship.
“Lord, thank You for the opportunity to work. Help me remember that my work is an act of worship to You. Give me the strength to work with integrity, joy, and purpose. May my efforts point others to You. Amen.”
