9 to 5

Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. (Colossians 3:22-25 ESV). I’m returning to the reading from yesterday’s Morning Devotional with a brief look at the apostle’s direction to be sincerely good employees. I have been both “the boss” and the employee over the last five decades. There were even times I felt like an indentured servant with an “earthly master.” You may have had such experiences in your jobs.

Over 25 years ago, the movie Nine to Five had a memorable scene in which three secretaries, played by Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, have been so abused by their boss that they tie him up and subject him to all sorts of satisfying retribution. Maybe you have had similar fantasies about what you would like to do to your supervisor. Perhaps you work for a demanding, unfair boss who makes your life miserable. It seems that he or she can’t be pleased, no matter how much you do for them. Perhaps you feel both underappreciated and underpaid. Let me make some suggestions how you may deal with those moments of exasperation. First, change your focus and adopt a long-term perspective. Remember that your goal is to please God, not man. You do not really work for the XYZ Widgets Company, you work for the Lord. Second, understand that your work produces glory to the Lord when done well. There may times your employer doesn’t give you the appreciation you deserve. You can be assured that the Lord notices your efforts to glorify His name. The ultimate rewards are found in Him and will not be forgotten. That account will be settled in full someday. Third, remember that, one day, all of us, including your boss will be called upon to give an answer to the Lord. The Apostle Paul simply says, Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. It is an attitude that will make all of life much easier. You will find more energy and greater stamina for all the other things you do in life.