working on work
“What must we do to perform the works of God?” —John 6:28
Since we have been raised up in company with Christ, we set our hearts on what pertains to higher realms (Col 3:1). “The old order has passed away; now all is new!” (2 Cor 5:17; cf Rv 21:5) For example, now that we have been baptized into Jesus’ death and Resurrection, we look at work in a new, risen way. We no longer work “for perishable food but for food that remains unto life eternal” (Jn 6:27). We do “the work of God,” that is, we “have faith in the One Whom He sent” (Jn 6:29). We may still get paid and receive benefits, but these are no longer the reasons for which we work. We work only for love of God. This may mean that we change jobs as did Sts. Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew. Usually, however, working for God means changing not our jobs but the way we do our jobs.
When we work for God, we also work with God. That means that we receive God’s power by which we work. Then, like St. Stephen, we work “great wonders and signs” (Acts 6:8). Also, like Stephen, we work so powerfully and fruitfully for God’s kingdom that we become a threat to the devil. Then he tempts us more and tries to intimidate us and even kill us. However, this backfires on him; the persecution and martyrdom makes our work even more fruitful (Jn 12:24).
Work for, with, and in God.
Prayer: Father, work on my work so that it will be pleasing to You.
Promise: “Throughout, Stephen’s face seemed like that of an angel.” —Acts 6:15
Praise: St. Athanasius was one of the most important and revered early Church Fathers. He courageously fought against the Arian heresy, which denied that Christ was fully God.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Job Performance for Jesus, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)
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