What It Really Means to Work for the Lord (A Labor Day Reminder for 2025)

Last week, I woke up with a headache and a stiff neck. That’s not unusual for me; anytime the weather changes, I usually feel off for a day or two. I sat down on the couch, opened up my computer, and started to work. Joe looked at me and said, “Why don’t you take the morning off and try to feel better?”

I told him, “I’d feel lousy either way, so I might as well get something done.”

He just shook his head and said, “You must really love your work.”

And he’s right. I do love my work, and I feel blessed to be able to do this every day. Later that morning, I opened my email to read a daily devotional. Wouldn’t you know, it was about work. How fitting, since Labor Day was coming up soon.

I’ve heard plenty of sermons on this subject before, and they all point back to the same truth: whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if you’re working for the Lord.

Work With All Your Heart

The Bible says it best:

Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

I’ll be honest, I haven’t always lived this out. I’ve had my share of grumbling, slacking, and complaining when things didn’t go my way. Work overtime? Ugh. Work on Saturday? Double ugh. Only one day off at Christmas? Don’t even get me started!

Back then, I thought I was working for my boss (and at one time, that boss happened to be my husband). However, Colossians 3:23 makes it clear that our ultimate Boss is the Lord.

Shifting Perspective

If the Lord had asked me to stay late or give up a Saturday, I would have said, “Yes, Lord!” without hesitation. But when it came from a person, I fussed and complained.

Over time, my perspective has changed. Now I see my job as a blessing from the Lord. Sure, it has its challenges and long hours, but I want to honor Him with the way I do my work.

• If you dig ditches, glorify the Lord by being the best ditch digger you can be.
• If you’re a teacher, show Christ’s love through patience and compassion for your students.
• If you’re retired, you’re still working in countless ways, cleaning, cooking, caring for family, running errands. Do it all with joy, as if you’re serving Him.

Expect Resistance

Here’s something else I’ve learned: when you’re working for the Lord, don’t be surprised if the enemy tries to discourage you.

Just this week, I opened my inbox to find three emails that made me want to pull the covers back over my head. Two of them told me to quit putting Scripture in my posts. Another subscriber said she would unsubscribe if I kept sharing Bible verses.

Well… I assume she isn’t reading this now.

Here’s the truth: I believe my blog is a blessing from the Lord. As long as He allows me to keep doing this, I’ll continue to share His Word. Because ultimately, I don’t work for people, I work for the Lord. And so do you.

To God Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!

Let’s End With a Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of work, whether it’s in our jobs, in our homes, in our families, or in ways that the world may never notice. Help us to do everything with grateful hearts, remembering that we ultimately serve You and not man. Give us strength when the work feels heavy, joy when we feel weary, and courage to stand firm when opposition comes. May everything we do bring glory to Your name. Amen.