Work - Finding our Motivation

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”– Colossians 3:23-24

Suddenly, life has slowed. For those losing jobs, internships, sports seasons, and more, it can be difficult to find anything to do. For those with work and training still to do, motivation is even more difficult. After watching hours of work disappear overnight, we wonder if it’s worth it. But in this time, the Bible reminds us that work is still meaningful because it is done for the Lord.

Paul originally wrote these words to slaves – perhaps the group of people whose work felt least rewarding. They never made money from their work or got recognition. Instead, someone told them day in and day out what they were supposed to do. The achievement-driven life we take for granted was completely foreign to them.

Right now, when so many measurable goals are removed from our lives, Paul’s words have something to say to us. He reminds us that the greatest motivation for work is not achievement but working for the Lord. And when we work, we should “do it heartily, as to the Lord and not tor men.”

It is only the Holy Spirit that can motivate us for this kind of work because our flesh is naturally driven by achievement. We’re certainly most eager to train when PACs is right around the corner. But we must exchange the natural motivations of the flesh for the earnestness of God’s Spirit to do what is before us.

You and I can be assured that we will receive an eternal reward from work well done, for we “serve the Lord Christ.”

As the semester comes to a close and summer begins, what work is God calling you to do? Perhaps it looks a little different than normal. Maybe that ‘work’ is putting in the effort to reach out to a teammate, or starting summer training, or finishing classes strong. Maybe that work is doing a job that wouldn’t have been your first (or fourth) choice. But whatever we do, let us work heartily for God.

Sionna Spear XC & Track / Dec ’20 Grad / Bothell, WA

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