It's Off To Work We Go! Series

Series: Pursuing Excellence

Message #3: “It’s Off To Work I Go” -- Pursuing Excellence In the Workplace

Colossians 3:23 - "But whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve."

GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS TO US AS EMPLOYEES...

1) Be Obedient To Our Employers.

Col.3:22 - "Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth…"

>We’re to respect and obey even bosses who are unfair and unpleasant.

1Pet.2:18 - "Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable."

>We’re Also To Respect and Obey Christian Bosses.

1Tim.6:2 - "and those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved."

2) Be Hard-Working and Trustworthy.

Col.3:22 - "...not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart."

>Giving Our Best Even When No One Is Watching.

Col.3:22 - "...not with external service, as those who merely please men..."

>Giving Our Best, Rather Than Just Trying To “Get By”.

1Tim.6:2 - "...with sincerity of heart."

>Giving Our Best, While Not Complaining.

Titus2:9 - "Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,"

3) Be Mindful of Who Our True Boss Is.

Col.3:23,24 - "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord...for you serve the Lord Christ."

>"heartily" -- literally means "from the soul."

>"Whatever you do" tells us there is dignity in all work if it is done in a way that pleases God.

4) Be Aware of Our Potential As Witnesses.

Titus2:9-10 - "Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect."

>The Excellence of Our Work Reflects On Jesus.

Titus2:10 - "...so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior."

>Our Workplace Is Our Ministry, Our Pulpit.

Col.3:23 - "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord."

5) Be Confident of Our Eventual Promotion.

Col.3:24 - "knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."

>Our Paychecks Are Not Our Whole Salary.

Col.3:24 - "...from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance;"

>God Knows What We’re Doing, and He Will Reward Us.

Mt.6:6 - "and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."

GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS TO US AS EMPLOYERS...

1) Treat Our Employees Fairly.

Col.4:1 - Grant your slaves justice and fairness.

>Keeping Our Focus On Our Goal: Bringing Glory To God.

1Cor.10:31 - "...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

>Paying Our Employees an Honest Wage.

Lk.10:7 - "...for the laborer is worthy of his wages."

>Never Abusing Our Positions, Authority, and Power.

Eph.6:9 - "And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening..."

2) Remember Who Our Boss is.

Col.4:1 - "...knowing that you too have a Master in heaven."

BRINGING IT HOME...

Questions to ask myself:

>Is my conduct in the workplace presenting a positive influence for the cause of Christ?

>Do I see my work as my ministry, my pulpit?

If so, then HI HO! It’s off to work we go!