Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, (Colossians 3:23)

I have a very strong work ethic. Some may say that it borders upon obsession. Others say that I have no personal boundaries with my work. All are true, and are things both my earthly father and my heavenly Father instilled in me. But too often I realize that my work ethic comes from my own pride and my desire to serve and please others. So much so that it creates anxiety in my life.

How much better it would be if I set this completely aside and did my work heartily for the Lord and not for men. I would posit that the outcome would be the same without the anxiety. But if we know this is so, why don’t we do it?

Well, I believe I have stated one reason, at least for me, and that is pride. I have alway prided myself in my abilities and output. The operative word there is ”my”. Secondly, we we work for a little piece of paper every week, few weeks, month, called a paycheck. Our security ends up wrapped up in earthly things and we do not hinge it upon what is far better, heavenly things.

If I were to work fully for God, He will work the other things out. In this I know I can trust Him fully, He has shown me this many times. I can then release my anxiety and false feelings of security in earthly things. I can let my pride be in what a good job I am doing for God and how doing so reflects His will and love through my effort.

In doing this I can make ”heartily” the operative word. As I am involving my heart for God in all that I do.