Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24
So, that’s that for 2009! How was it for you? It’s been a bit of a mixed year for me. At the beginning of the year I suffered from a period of illness. It’s also been a year of real hard work. But there have also been many positives, not least the fact that I got engaged! It’s also been a year of real spiritual growth for me, helped in no small part by Crossring; it’s been great studying God’s word together, and in particular I feel that I have a far better understanding of Mark’s gospel as a consequence of our Mark Marathon series.
I wonder what 2010 holds in store for us? The highlight of my year will undoubtedly be my wedding, but I also have a three week holiday in California to look forward to this summer! Hopefully, my faith will continue to deepen too, as I continue to commit myself to reflecting on God’s word every day.
As we enter the new year, though, and indeed new decade, what better way than to reflect on a verse of scripture that could even act as a motto for the coming year. Sometimes we can get caught up in the grind of every day life, and work can seem like a real slog – particularly if we have a low opinion of our bosses. But in today’s verse, Paul urges us to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to our endeavours, as if we were working for the Lord rather than for men. Here on earth we may feel that we do not get the recognition or reward that our efforts deserve, but ultimately, if we work hard, we will find our reward in heaven. It is particularly important that we commit ourselves to our work, since, as Christians, we are ambassadors for Christ in all that we do. People will judge us as individuals, but also as representatives of our faith, whether we work hard or whether we neglect our duties. It is important, therefore, that our colleagues and employers see us in a positive light.
Why not join me in making this a new year’s resolution? Why not resolve this year to work with all your heart, as if working for the Lord?