Work as Worship

Distractions abound in a world full of relative truth and widespread irreverence.  Antithetical to this secular reality is the intended state of the Kingdom, grounded in the absolute truth of Jesus characterized by a humble reverence to the Holy Lord.  Because of this, Christians are called to be aware of the distractions but not led away by them.  This being said, perhaps no area of life is more effected by humanity's propensity for distraction than work.

One of the distinct marks of a fully-devoted Christian is a diligent work ethic.  More astutely, a Christian should have a zeal for work and a tireless attitude towards any task.  The reason for this truth is simple: the manner with which a Christian does his/her work is directly related to obedience, faith, and devotion.  Our work is not simply or even primarily a human endeavor; rather, it is our lot and worship to the Lord.

Because a Christian's work is intimately tied to his/her worship of the Lord Almighty, it should come as no surprise that the enemy of our souls, Satan, works hard to hinder our work ethic, and thus our worship.  Enter distraction.  If we take seriously then the reality of work as worship, distraction begins to be seen for what it actually is: spiritual attack aimed at hindering believer's worship.

When we begin to recognize that distractions are spiritual in nature, then the prospect of distraction will be met with an awareness of the cost.  Ultimately, the cost of distraction is relational, in that our relationship with the Lord is hurt.  Therefore, work should be done with full diligence and with a supernatural focus, because God is the boss who we are working for.

Luckily, the beauty of a good work ethic is joy.  Solomon, in Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, speaks to the supreme joy that is work (Pro. 14:23; Ecc. 3:22, 8:15).  This makes sense.  If work is worship and worship is joyful, then work should be joyful too.  Distraction then not only hinders our worship but, as a result, hinders our joy.  No matter the gratification to be had from distractions, they pale to the cost of a loss of joy and a separation from worship.

To be sure, some distractions can be God prodding us forward.  However, this should not be thought of as normative nor should this prevent us from working diligently at what God has put before us now.  Ultimately, we are working for the Lord (Col. 3:23).  Thus at the final analysis, we should take on an attitude of focus so as to remain obedient in worshipful work amidst distraction.