**Sip Saturday is written by our Saturday morning contributor, M.H. Elrich. A beautifully gifted Christian author who seeks to honor the Trinity in her writing. She hopes that her words will encourage women to draw closer to God, whether that is through her fantasy series or her weekly devotionals.
Cornerstone Scripture:
“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
-Hebrews 4:11 KJV
I was sweating from exertion. Who knew that being inside of a mascot costume would be so hard? I not only had to pretend to be overly-cheerful, I had to do so while wearing a massive head with only a screen to see. Depending on the day, I had to twirl a sign outdoors while waving and encouraging honks from nearby cars. Children would threaten to climb on me, and I couldn’t speak, but only gently wave my finger to say no. After my shift, I felt like I had run a marathon, and was all too grateful to take a shower.
This was one of my first jobs. At the time, I was still new to work. I had moments of tiredness, but receiving a paycheck was enough for me to overlook it. However, when I transitioned to working at a vendor hall, where I had to set up and take down for events, I began to understand why people don’t like to work. Then, when I went to work at a retail store, I felt the irritation of dealing with customers and the boredom of waiting until a shift was over. Wandering, aimless, merely working for a living, I wondered what the point of a “job” was. That’s when I stumbled upon a verse that changed my perspective.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
-Colossians 3:23-24
I realized that no matter how mind-numbingly terrible a job could be, I was not working for the mascot company, the vendor hall, or the retail store. I was working for God, and that meant that I should work to the best of my ability, no matter if I was cleaning toilets or waving signs. This doesn’t mean that you have to stay at a job you hate, though God may call you to do so until the time he reveals a new occupation. It means that when God reveals the path he wants you to walk, you shouldn’t complain, whine, and stomp your feet. Instead, you should surrender to him, working for the Lord.
This is what the author of Hebrews means when he says we should “labor” to enter God’s rest. He or she is not saying that we can earn our way to heaven through our actions. Rather, we should be working for the Lord, not for men. Our actions should come from our love for God, rather than our own desire to make it to heaven through good works.
Additionally, just because we are saved through Jesus’ blood doesn’t mean that we should live reckless, sinful lives. Paul, in Romans 6, warns against this kind of behavior. The author of Hebrews gives that same warning. Do you truly think that living a life contrary to God’s Word, believing that you are saved by his grace, will give you access to heaven? If we are striving to follow God, I am sure that God honors our desire, even if we fail. But purposelessly disregarding his Word? I would be concerned about hearing, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23).
Labor for the Lord, not for men. Even if your work is terrible. Even if your coworker is the worst. Even if you absolutely hate your boss. Maybe God has placed you there for a reason, to minister and pray for that person. Or perhaps He is trying to teach you how to patiently love the unloveable (just like he has loved us). Whatever it may be, honor the Lord with your work.
Let’s pray.
Dear Lord, please help me to work for your glory, not my own. Help me in my occupation to love others, even if it’s hard. In Your Son’s Name, Amen.
P.S. I am the author of these books, and they are available in all formats: paperback, ebook, and audiobook! Thank you for your weekly support of Sip Saturday.