PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• The signature verses for this blog are Ephesians 2:8-9. It’s the passage that inspired the name and these are also my life verses. I also have a signature verse for my business and it is, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23 ESV).
In the past, my work ethic was based on “If it has my name on it, it’s going to be right.” And to some degree, that’s still true. I don’t like to do mediocre work. Mediocre isn’t the standard I want to be known for.
But for the last few years, I’ve really tried to shift my mindset to Colossians 3:23. The praise of others is short-lived and temporary. The Bible even addresses that—in John 12:43 ESV, it speaks of how the Pharisees “loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”
And that’s a dangerous way to operate. Just as inevitably we will let someone down, so we will also be let down by others.
The safer thing to do is to focus on God’s approval. Galatians 1:10 ESV says, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Sometimes, I think we think these kinds of verses only apply to the times when we’re in church or doing something spiritual. But friends, I’m here to tell you from personal experience, there is great joy in what I affectionately call, “Spreadsheets for Jesus!” There is joy that comes from doing what we do—everything we do—as a way to honor God. Because in those everyday details, we honor Him through the use of the talents, gifts, and even education He has granted us. When we work for Him, doing our best for Him, even as we study profit margins and strategic growth charts, He is glorified.
Today, as you pray, thank God for the gifts, skills, and talents He has given you. Thank Him for the opportunities to work your best for Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember that He cares about all aspects of your life, not just when you are seated in church.
