Nov 13 2008
Your Work is Your Worship
I read an article recently that truly blessed me. It explained that the Hebrew word, Avodah (Ah’-voe-dah) actually has two meanings, to work and also to worship. It got me thinking about the limited understanding I had about work and worship. The two are not mutually exclusive. It is possible for your work to be an expression of your love and adoration for God. Sure we can worship God by singing songs, dancing to Him, living godly lives and reading the bible, but do we consider the way we work as a form of worship?
Whether your work is outside the home or you are a “keeper of the home”, it should be done to and for the glory of God. It makes sense that you should enjoy that work if that worship is to received properly. It would seem impossible to be able to worship God through your work if it is something from which you have no joy.
Have you ever experienced when someone is doing something for you but you can tell they don’t want to or just don’t have any joy in doing it for you? I sometimes want to say, “Just forget it, if you are going to have that attitude!” How do you think God feels as we worship Him through our work?
Recently, I was reminded that the “work” I had volunteered for was not glorifying God. I murmured and complained about broken promises, the lack of resources, and how much time it was taking up. I felt convicted about the lack of peace and joy in this situation. I began to ask the Lord to help me with my attitude.
I began to see that this was a season where I was being stretched and instructed on how to deal with situations that don’t quite go the way I think they should. Instead of concentrating on the negative things, I began to focus on the positive things I could bring to the situation. In the end, I learned that all I needed was an attitude adjustment. Not only was I able to complete the task joyfully, others expressed their appreciation and prayerfully God was glorified.
What about you? Can you say that the work you do shows your love, respect and reverence for God? Why not pray the following prayer just in case?
Father God,
I thank You for where I am right now. Help me to have the right attitude for what I am doing in this season of my life. If I am not doing the work You called me to, please direct me in the correct path for my life. Help me to see the good that I can bring to all that I do. May all I do, say and think glorify You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
6 responses so far
Several years ago when I was unemployed someone spoke into my life and said that when I receive a job, work as if I am working for the LORD. To this day I hold to that word. Everyday that I go into my place of employment I am often reminded of this when my coworkers say “I really enjoyed working with you today” or (when I left some places of employment) “No one can replace you”. Let me tell you I am walking back and forward on concrete floors in a manufacturing mill for ten hours a day and to have a positive attitude at the end of the day; most would consider impossible.
I know that this is not all that God has in store for me, but this is where I am now. In life I want people that do not know me just to see me and feel and sense that I am a good, strong and happy person. In others words I want them to see me not only smiling on the outside but know that I smile from within; therefore letting it show through my work. The one’s that already know me, know that I smile constantly. My mom could not have picked a better name for me (Felicia – which means happiness). Anyway…….just rambling! Let your hard work show in all you do and even if man does not glorify you remember you reward comes from God.
Sigh. I am looking around my house right now, and thinking that I just might be SERIOUSLY backslidden.
Do you think that if I paid someone to come and clean up this clutter that I would be “vicariously worshipping”?
I’ll just go ahead and apologize now, because I have this disorder that never lets me be serious when it is appropriate, but it was a beautifully written article. Thanks for stopping by my blog, too!
@Felicia
Thanks always for taking the time to come and share your heart. I don’t consider it rambling. Stay sweet.
@ Topsy-Techie
You are too funny! I love it. Thanks for the visit.
This is an awesome article.
It’s so important for us to know we have purpose in all that we do…especially as homemakers/homeschoolers/wahms who probably receive less affirmation than most “workers” while doing the most important work of all…raising a family.
P.S.
This blog post is now on my Delicious.com favorites.
Having led worship for a number of years, I thought I knew about worship. Sadly, I also became aware of those who didn’t seem to understand it quite the way I did. After some time in prayer, I felt strongly impressed by the Lord to write a book to provide a Biblical view of worship showing cause and effect examples. With so many benefts available to us, why would anyone not want to participate?
For more information, please visit http:www.aplogansr.com
All God’s Best,
Pastor Andy Logan
All Nations Word and Worship Center
Corpus Christi, TX
http://www.aplogansr.com
http://aplogansr.wordpress.com
http://pluggingintorealworship.wordpress.com