When Work Becomes Our Priority Over God

We are often asked: how do I show God He is my first priority when I get up to go to work every day?

This is a great question and very admirable for one who is serious about embracing a life of God’s priorities. As a man, I understand the need to provide for our families. Nowadays, this responsibility no longer lies on the man but there are many women who work as well. Regardless of who is working, there is a way to show God that He is your number-one priority even when you’re at work.

Getting up early for work could make it challenging to spend quality time with God. For me, I do get up early to pray, get into the Word and then work out to keep my physical body in shape before leaving for work. Realizing that some need more sleep than others, I would encourage you to do what works best for you. However, purpose to pray, giving God praise, and asking for His wisdom, protection, and direction throughout the day. You will find when you start your day off with God, you can’t go wrong! Then determine how you will spend quality time with Him after work. Back to the original question; how do I show God He is my priority at work?

1. Work unto God: We are told in Colossians 3:23-24 that whatever we do we are to work at it with all our heart unto God and not unto man. This means that it doesn’t matter what you do for a living, as long as you work hard at it with all your heart, you are pleasing God. You may not like your job; you may not like your boss, but by working unto God and not man, God will honor you for honoring Him.

2. Be Respectful: When you are working unto God, you are naturally respectful because God calls us to love, being mindful and respecting others, whether you like them or not.

3. Show Up on Time: 1 Corinthians 14:40 tells us to let all things be done decently and in order. That means we show up on time, dressed for success with clean clothes, ironed, looking good and smelling good because we represent God.

4. Be Diligent and Skillful: It’s important to not just show up at work but to show up by purposing to be diligent and learn your trade, doing all things with excellence because God is excellent.

5. Do your work cheerfully: Philippians 2:14 says to do all things without grumbling and faultfinding. All things means: ALL things. There may be work gossip going around and complaining about policies, managers, rules, etc. but when we live to honor God first and foremost in our life, we choose not to participate in grumbling or faultfinding. Don’t show up with an attitude of look, you guys are lucky I’m here. On the contrary, show up to work with gratitude, that God has provided you with a job, and choose to be an example of Christ.

6. Earn an Honest Income: How we provide is just as important and the provision itself. God expects us to provide for our families, but He expects us to provide in a way that honors him.

God doesn’t expect us to wake up; pray, read, and sing worship to Him all day without working or communicating with others around us. He does expect us to honor Him in all that we do. I think we all know that God should come first, and as hard as we try to make Him first in our life, the truth is balancing family, and work can be challenging. However, when we wake up each day purposing to honor God in every area of your life, including how and where we work, we will find great peace in knowing God is our number -one priority.

Published under: GOSPEL

Source:Living our Priorities