What practical steps ensure our work is "fearing the Lord" as instructed? The Verse at Hand “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.” Colossians 3:22 Fearing the Lord Defined • Awe and reverence for God’s holiness and authority • Whole-hearted submission to His Word and will • Conscious awareness that every task unfolds before His throne Ten Practical Steps for Work Marked by Fear of the Lord 1. Recognize the true Boss • “It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:24 • Every assignment becomes kingdom work when offered to Him. 2. Align motives with His glory • “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 • Seek His smile, not human applause. 3. Practice hidden integrity • Integrity shows when no supervisor is present. • Proverbs 15:3 reminds that “the eyes of the LORD are in every place.” 4. Pursue excellence, not perfectionism • Ecclesiastes 9:10: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” • Excellence reflects His character and honors His name. 5. Respect earthly authority structures • “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.” 1 Peter 2:13 • Compliance becomes worship when done unto Christ. 6. Work with joyful diligence • “Serve the Lord with gladness.” Psalm 100:2 • Joy announces confidence in His sovereign placement. 7. Stay prayerfully dependent • Ongoing prayer invites His strength, wisdom, and patience into each task. 8. Saturate the mind with Scripture • Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” • Truth renews perspective and guards against compromise. 9. Guard workplace speech • Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up.” • Words seasoned with grace show reverence for the Lord who hears them. 10. View rewards through an eternal lens • “Knowing that you will receive the inheritance from the Lord as your reward.” Colossians 3:24 • Eternal inheritance outweighs temporary recognition or salary. Supporting Scriptures to Anchor the Steps • Proverbs 9:10 — The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. • Psalm 111:10 — The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. • Ephesians 6:5-8 — Parallel command for bondservants, underscoring sincerity and service to Christ. • 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 — Aspire to live quietly, mind your own affairs, and work with your hands, that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders. Daily Heart Check for God-Fearing Work • My first thought at work rests on Christ as Master. • Integrity governs each unseen choice. • Excellence and joy accompany every duty. • Speech, attitude, and effort invite others to see His glory. • Eternal reward outweighs earthly accolade. |
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