Love on Display

In Matthew 10, a lawyer asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. The answer: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself." (v.27) 

 God wants your whole life; He isn't interested in just a part of it. He doesn't just want your Sunday mornings. He wants it all. All 168 hours, every week. So, let's take a second and talk about what it looks like to serve God with your whole heart this week. 

 Have you ever been to a restaurant or coffee shop where the person taking your order looked like they couldn't wait until their shift was over? They may have technically got the job done, but their heart wasn't in it, and it was evident to everyone around them. Conversely, have you ever had a barista or waiter who was incredibly kind, complimentary, and energetic, making your day a little brighter? The truth is, the attitude in which we do things matters; our heart for our work can bless or diminish the lives around us.  

 Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." As a Jesus Follower, everything about you should be changing, and everyone around you should be benefiting from your faith, whether they believe in Jesus or not. When our behavior is subpar or just "meets expectations," there is nothing to draw people to the conclusion that something about us is different. The way we sweep the floors, take out the garbage, act in the pick-up line at school, talk on the phone, send out emails, etc. - every one of these actions, and the rest I didn't list - should reflect our love and appreciation for our Lord and Savior. 

 Our gratefulness for grace, forgiveness, and newness of life should be reflected in everything we do; our words and actions should be equally full of grace, forgiveness, and new life. 

 When every believer starts to display honest love for our God and our neighbor, as Jesus commanded, we will see a change roll through our country like a tidal wave. A good tidal wave but a tidal wave nonetheless.

Before you stop reading this, take a minute and write down 5 things you can do today to display your love for God in your work. And if you’re struggling for ideas, check out our FREE tool, 21 Ways to Care for your Coworker.

 

- Jim

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!