Working for Jesus
Rather listen to this blog? Listen to “Working for Jesus.”
Picture for me, if you will, your average morning routine. No two people have the same one, but I’ll use mine as an example.
I wake up before my alarm goes off, check the time, and tell myself I can sleep in just a little. This doesn’t work, as the knowledge of the day ahead keeps me from sinking back into a relaxing slumber. I hop out of bed and move to the kitchen for my morning cup of Earl Grey tea (the caffeine addiction is real, let me tell you). I move back to my bed, but I do not dare fall into the temptation of re-inserting myself under the covers. Instead, I sit there and sip on my Elixir of Life while looking through emails, deleting anything that isn’t urgent. When I feel ready to face the music, I move to my desk for the most important part of my daily ritual.
I light a candle and set it next to my computer monitor. I turn on some lo-fi jazz (if you have yet to discover the magic that is lo-fi, please try it if you enjoy some chill background noise as you work) and close my eyes. After three deep, cleansing breaths, I pray.
This might not sound extremely profound to you, but let me just say…it’s game-changing. Praying before you officially start your day is like engaging with the CEO of life itself. I never used to do this, mind you, until I started working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s amazing what you become more aware of without the hustle and bustle of coworkers and a constant need to look busy.
During my morning prayer, I start by thanking God for everything He is and everything He does. After all, I likely wouldn’t have a job if it weren’t for Him. From there, I ask for patience to deal with coworkers that are a little harder to show the love of Christ to. I ask for wisdom to make the right decisions that will benefit the greatest number of people. I ask for the drive to be as productive as possible, given the fact I have been blessed with more freedom and flexibility outside of an office building. Finally, I pray those who aren’t believers can experience His grace through their interactions with me.
Being a Christian is a tall order. The world hears that term and cringes. We are labeled hypocrites, bigots, and prudes. But is there not some truth in that? How many are there that claim to be followers of Jesus, yet act in a way that would make Him weep? We may not agree with worldly ways, but that doesn’t mean we need to be jerks to people; in fact, Jesus commands the opposite.
Matthew 5:43-44 says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Pray not only for your own wants and needs and the desires of those you care about, but put in a word for those who you disagree with and maybe even look down upon.
Everyone has a story; I should know – I’m a journalist. They might have had an experience with a “Christian” that scarred them for life. They may be silently suffering through something you can’t even begin to imagine. There are reasons behind the actions they are taking. Have you ever thought to stop and ask if there was something you could pray about for them?
A wise woman in my Bible study group once said, “You may be the only Bible someone ever reads.” As followers of Christ, we are kind of like His employees. When you work for Jesus, everything you do and say is a direct reflection of the one you serve. This is my prayer for you: when you say your own prayers, whether it be first thing in the morning or the last thing you do before you close your eyes at night, ask the Lord to give you His heart for others. Strive to be God’s employee of the month by making every possible effort to prove we serve someone all-powerful, all-knowing, and, most importantly, all-loving.
