Giving God My Work

Posted by5thgenerationgirlPosted inUncategorizedTags:

The magazine I was writing for felt “important,” so I struggled to present the best possible article I could for the high-ranking editor. Feeling pressure to meet her standards, I kept rewriting my thoughts and ideas. But what was my problem? Was it my challenging topic? Or was my real worry personal: Would the editor approve of me and not just my words?

For answers to our job worries, Paul gives trustworthy instruction. In a letter to the Colossian church, Paul urged believers to work not for approval of people, but for God. As the apostle said, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23–24).

Reflecting on Paul’s wisdom, we can stop struggling to look good in the eyes of our earthly bosses. For certain, we honor them as people and seek to give them our best. But if we work “as for the Lord”—asking Him to lead and anoint our work for Him—He’ll shine a light on our efforts. Our reward? Our job pressures ease and our assignments are completed. Even more, we’ll one day hear Him say, “Well done!

Reflect: On your job, what pressures do you feel to please others or yourself? In what ways would your work improve on every level if you started working “as for the Lord”?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I face job pressures, it’s easy to forget that I’m working for You. Redirect my heart and mind, so I put You first in all I do.

This devotion deeply resonated since starting a new job a few months ago that I’ve been working towards and preparing for by becoming familiar with basic technology for nearly a year. I’d been so worried about efficiency, meeting deadlines amongst other aspects all while worrying about what I wouldn’t be able to remember. Thinking I’m moving too slow, making mistakes, not fully understanding certain concepts, even though every continues telling me I’m doing a great job. This is the first actual position I’ve held (working for someone other than myself) in 13 years. I juggle 5 different positions within the organization, 1 which spans throughout 3 various counties, and I love it! I’m aware that I’ve always been my own worst critic even when I try my best not to be. I’m fortunate to work in a field where I not only am able to use my lived experiences to help others but am also supported as well as encouraged to pursue my personal ventures with my writing and as a motivational speaker. Now I simply need to stay mindful that I am working for the Lord (not man) while knowing that I am always putting forth my best effort from a place of passion and empathy. I am thankful to have finally found my purpose and feel extremely blessed with doing what I love.

Published by 5thgenerationgirl

Tammy Wynette is a mother of three and a “G-MA” (grandma). Born in Warren, Arkansas, she currently resides in Sacramento, CA and is pursuing an AA degree in English at American River College, with plans to transfer to California State University, Sacramento (Sac State). She is an active leader and role model in her community, she works with teens sharing and teaching poetry, as well as providing insight for young parents to prosper. She has certificate from NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) and is a trailblazer & Griot, keeper of stories/traditions passed down from her ancestors. As an Author and motivational speaker it’d be an honor to present at your events to inspire, encourage & let our VOICES be heard! She has short stories and poems published in Our Black Mothers Brave, Bold and Beautiful!

28 thoughts on “Giving God My Work”

  2. Pingback: Giving God My Work – Tonya LaLonde

  3. A very necessary reminder for us all. I am currently reading a book called For an Audience of one and it does talk about doing things with the primary intention of pleasing God and not man.

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      1. Oh girlfriend, I know you got this. You always do. Just breathe and let go! I’m confident you will do better than you anticipate. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Oh, and don’t forget to have a FANtabulous weekend my friend. 😘🎈💃🏽🥰💖🤩🌟🤗💐

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      2. I made it through the first one at 12n, have another tomorrow. The feedback was amazing & them participating. I do this to myself everytime eventhough I know it’ll be just fine, lol. Thanks for the encouragement my dear.

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  5. Starting a new job is always hard and especially after being your own boss for so long. The pressure can feel daunting and the critical self talk never helps. I’m glad you are finding your groove in your new job and your perspective on how to handle your stress is a good one to get you through the rougher patches. Keep up the good work!

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    1. I truly appreciate you Ab! You always seem to “get it” and your encouragement calms me. I’ve even found myself at times thinking “what would Ab do” or how you would handle certain things. I know it may sound a bit strange, but people like you who come into my life, I don’t take for granted & am always thankful for the blessings eventhough you may not realize that’s what you are to me.

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  7. Congratulations to you on your new job! It isn’t easy finding that perfect fit, the right niche where you know you belong and feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of every day. I feel so sorry for those people stuck in jobs they hate – literally hate – because they can’t find anything else and they have to work if they want to eat and pay the bills. It’s wonderful to know you’re loving your new position and that is what will make you happy and successful. 🌟

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    1. I appreciate you. I been denied for disability twice, eventhough the judge confirmed I’d earned all my credits years ago.
      Now I’m just thankful to work for an organization who supports my challenges & allows me to move at my own pace.

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  9. I commend your communication skills, I love how you put this and explained your experiences in such this relatable way. I am happy to read you are doing what you love and feel a calling to do. The bible reference is perfectly fitting, and also reminds me of the Hindu concept of Dharma (though there are various (& often interchangeable types). If you have posted articles you’ve written, I’d enjoy reading them. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thanks my friend. This particular message is from “Our Daily Bread” devotional. However, most of my earlier post from last year are my work & glimpses of my life & survival through faith.
      Hope you enjoy some of my earlier posts. Be well❣

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