By Rick Warren
“Do all your work in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 (TEV)
The apostle Paul says, “Do all your work in love.”
He doesn’t say some of your work but all of your work. He also says that no matter “what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.” 1 Corinthians 13:3 (MSG).
The point is, any job can be turned into worship when it is built on the model of Christ’s love; that love is expressed to co-workers, clients, and customers. Mother Teresa said, “It’s not what you do so much that matters, but how much love you put into it.”
Think about it like this: Two-thirds of the word “career” is C-A-R-E. The English philanthropist John Ruskin once said, “When love and skill come together, expect a masterpiece.”
So, I want you to pray a prayer every day this week — whether it’s at home or at school, in your backyard, or at an office or wherever you work. I want you to pray, “Father, today I want to worship you through my work. I want to express my gifts. I want to do it as if I’m doing it for you, and I want to do it in love.”
“So then, my friends, because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer” (Romans 12:1 TEV).
Talk It Over
- What do you think is the difference in ministry and work?
- How would your co-workers characterize you by the way you treat others?
- What are the gifts God has given you? How are you using your gifts in your work or career?
