Clark’s Devotionals

Much of life is made up of ordinary responsibilities that receive little recognition. Colossians gives those tasks eternal significance by changing the audience for whom we work. Whether our responsibility is visible or unnoticed, exciting or repetitive, we can do it as unto the Lord. This does not mean every job is pleasant, every employer is fair, or every assignment is equally important. It means faithfulness is not dependent upon applause. Human recognition is inconsistent; God's evaluation is not. Working heartily also does not mean allowing others to exploit us or neglecting appropriate rest. Scripture values diligence and wisdom together. The deeper issue is motive. Are we faithful only when someone is watching? Do we cut corners when recognition is unlikely? Do we allow resentment to determine the quality of our work? The Christian can approach even mundane tasks as opportunities to practice integrity, patience, stewardship, and service. A clean room, an honest report, a repaired machine, a prepared meal, a returned phone call, or a carefully completed assignment can all become acts of worship when done faithfully before God. We may not control how others value our work, but we do control whether we offer it with integrity. Ordinary faithfulness is one of the quiet ways Christ is honored in everyday life.