Understanding the Biblical Perspective on Working for God

“And whatsoever ye do do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men.” - Colossians 3:23 KJV. This verse highlights the importance of doing our work with sincerity and dedication, with God at the center of our actions. However, to fully understand this statement, we need to delve deeper into the biblical teachings and corresponding passages. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and balanced view by exploring different verses and examples that help us understand how to truly work for God.

The Importance of Truth in Work

First and foremost, knowing the truth and living according to it is crucial. The Bible emphasizes that true work must be done with sincerity and integrity. "First know Truth aka God then do work. Not with half Truth but heartily as much Truth as you can muster." When our work is guided by the truth, it reflects our commitment to God and aligns with His will. Conversely, when we lie to ourselves or others, we are not using God's words correctly and, consequently, our work may not be acceptable to Him.
"Persons who lie to themselves are not using God’s words correctly and do work that God does not approve of."

Understanding God's Plan for Man

"Does the all powerful all knowing God require our hard work for His existence? Of course not." This is an important consideration. While God is powerful and omniscient, He does not need our work for His existence. Instead, the Bible presents us with a different perspective - one that involves serving others. For instance, in Matthew 25:40, Jesus teaches us, “Then the King will reply, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”

Another example is the Parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:25-37. Jesus highlights the idea of loving our neighbors, even those who are foreign or in need. “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds by challenging us to see every person in need as our neighbor. This helps us understand that our primary focus should be on serving others, rather than just working for personal gain.

James 2:14 further reinforces the idea of action versus mere intention. The verse reads, “Can faith alone save if no good works follow? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,’ but do not give them what they need, what good is that?” This passage reminds us that our faith must be expressed through deeds, and simply wishing someone well is insufficient.

To summarize, God's will for us is to serve our neighbors, rather than focusing solely on our own interests. By doing so, we demonstrate our love for God and align our work with His plan. This is the true essence of working for God.

Live with Compassion and Integrity

“If you keep the Lord in mind in all you do you will do no harm cause no pain nor deliberately do damage to anyone.” This final statement emphasizes the importance of doing our work with a heart full of compassion and integrity. It encourages us to think about the impact of our actions and to seek to do good in all we do, with God at the center of our intentions. When we approach our work with this mindset, we not only please God but also contribute positively to the world around us.