The Work of God

“And if you call on the Father, who, without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear…” 1 Peter 1:17

Over the course of my lifetime I have held a variety of jobs. At one time or another I have been a housekeeper, a clerk in a retail clothing store, and a staff member at a group home. I have worked as a receptionist, a secretary, and a bookkeeper. I have been a case manager. I have delivered newspapers to neighborhood homes. I have been a seasonal fruit picker. I have worked in an office supply store, a bank, and a real estate office. I have been a presser at a dry cleaner.

These jobs rewarded me with a paycheck and oftentimes with promotion. Employers let you know, one way or another, if they are pleased with your work. One may be corrected or reprimanded or even fired if need be. Bosses expect a certain quality and quantity of work to be done in the time spent in their employment and most people go to work wanting to do a good job. As I read the above verse one early morning, it gave me pause. This was not speaking of the work I performed to put groceries on the table, but the spiritual work and content of my lifetime. There was a silence that enveloped me. I felt a weight and a stillness in my soul. The Almighty will judge my work.

What are His expectations of me? What am I expected to accomplish throughout the time of my stay here on the earth? What is my work that will be judged by the Most High? What do I do that would bear up under His fiery scrutiny? I confess there was some anxiety in these thoughts. Certainly, my works would not hold up under that Divine gaze!

John 6:28-29 says, “Then they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe on Him whom He sent.’” So this is where my work begins. My faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of my work. This is the work the Father is looking for in me: simple trusting faith in the work and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. There is a great relief in this great Redeemer! Because of Jesus, I can do this!

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 confirms this truth stating that there is no other foundation for us to build on but Jesus Christ. In that day, what we have built upon this foundation will indeed be tested by fire. The works that are true and faithful will remain and the trash, the flash, and the chaff will burn away. But we ourselves will be saved. Praise Jesus!

What will I build on this holy foundation? In 1 Corinthians 9:1 Paul calls the Corinthians his “work in the Lord.” My work is people, especially people of the faith. The fellowship of the saints is my work in the Lord. James 1:25 tells us that looking into God’s perfect law of liberty and doing the work will be blessed of God. Obedience to the word of God is part of my work in the Lord. And lastly, 1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Let our work, whatever it may be, be found pleasing to the Lord. God will gift and guide each one to operate for His glory whether it is in the public arena or caring for wee ones at home. Our work may be the simple act of helping a friend in time of need or writing a card to a distant loved one. To love God and to love people is our calling. In all the business of life, let us honor our God and have faith that He will complete the good work He has begun in us.

Father, thank You that You have done all the heavy lifting. We are called to build on the sure foundation of Jesus, our Chief Cornerstone. Teach us by Your Word and by Your Spirit to be master builders. In that Day we pray You will find our work well pleasing. May all our activities and pursuits reflect your image and Your glory. Amen.